The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations that soldiers deployed in Ogun State are being denied allowances and extorting motorists, describing the claims as false, misleading, and malicious.
The rebuttal followed a viral video circulated on social media by an individual identified as Abdul, which alleged that soldiers on operational duties were unpaid and that troops stationed along border routes routinely extort road users.
Responding in a statement issued on Friday via the Nigerian Army’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, Major Idereghi Akari, said the allegations were unfounded.
According to the statement, soldiers deployed in Ogun State are operating under Operation MESA, a state-sponsored, multi-agency security initiative.
Major Akari explained that before the assumption of command by Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba in January 2025, personnel under the operation received a monthly allowance of ₦45,000.
“Following Brigadier General Nwamba’s assumption of command, the allowance was reviewed upward to ₦60,000 per soldier monthly, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy on troop welfare and sound administration,” the statement said.
The Army added that the allowances are paid regularly by the Ogun State Government.
On allegations of extortion, the Brigade firmly denied any wrongdoing by its personnel, stressing that the Nigerian Army maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline.
“Troops deployed along border routes have never engaged in extortion or any illegal conduct. No credible complaint has been recorded against them,” the statement noted.
It further disclosed that, in compliance with directives from Defence and Army Headquarters, all unnecessary checkpoints along border areas have been dismantled.
“Only authorised security agencies are permitted to conduct lawful vehicle checks along these routes,” the Army stated.
Describing the viral video as baseless, the Brigade alleged that the individual behind it is a disgruntled retired airman with a history of spreading false narratives against senior military officers.
The 35 Artillery Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the welfare of its personnel, while pledging continued collaboration with security agencies and stakeholders in Ogun State to safeguard lives and property.
