The Nigerian Army has rejected claims that soldiers deployed in Ogun State were denied allowances or engaged in extortion, describing the allegations as “false, malicious, and misleading.”
In a statement released Friday, Major Idereghi Akari, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, addressed a viral video by an individual identified as Abdul, which accused troops under Operation MESA of withholding allowances and extorting motorists along border routes.
The Army clarified that soldiers deployed on company duties are paid under the state-sponsored multi-agency Operation MESA. Since January 2025, when Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba assumed command of the 35 Artillery Brigade, monthly allowances were increased from ₦45,000 to ₦60,000 per soldier, which are reportedly being paid promptly.
The statement further dismissed allegations of extortion, emphasizing that troops have never engaged in illegal or unethical practices along border routes. It also noted that unnecessary checkpoints have been removed, leaving only relevant security agencies to monitor vehicles.
Read Also:
- Tinubu expresses condolences to Anthony Joshua following fatal accident in Ogun
- Anthony Joshua involved in road crash in Ogun, resulting in 2 fatalities
- Police arrest man allegedly fleeing with wife’s corpse in Ogun
“The allegations contained in the said video are malicious, unfounded and deliberately misleading,” the Army said. It added that the individual behind the video is a disgruntled retired airman with a history of attempting to discredit senior officers.
The 35 Artillery Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency, and the welfare of its personnel, pledging continued collaboration with security agencies to safeguard lives and property while upholding the highest standards of military discipline.
