The Nigerian Army has firmly denied allegations that soldiers deployed in Ogun State are being denied allowances or engaged in extortion of motorists, describing the claims as false, malicious, and deliberately misleading.
The rebuttal followed a viral video circulated on social media by an individual identified as Abdul, who accused the Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Godwin Nwamba, and other senior officers of withholding soldiers’ entitlements and tolerating extortion at border checkpoints.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the Brigade, Major Idereghi Akari, the Army clarified that personnel currently deployed across the state are operating under Operation MESA, a state-sponsored, multi-agency internal security initiative.
According to the Army, troops on the operation receive a monthly allowance of ₦60,000, an increase from the previous ₦45,000. The upward review, it noted, took effect after Brigadier General Nwamba assumed command in January 2025, as part of measures aligned with the Chief of Army Staff’s emphasis on troop welfare and sound administration.
“The allegation that soldiers on company duties are unpaid is entirely false,” the statement said, stressing that all personnel deployed under Operation MESA are duly catered for financially.
Addressing claims of extortion along border routes, the Brigade categorically rejected the accusation, stating that no verified or credible complaint has ever been lodged against its personnel.
It added that, in compliance with directives from Defence and Army Headquarters, all unnecessary checkpoints in border areas had been dismantled to eliminate opportunities for abuse.
“The Nigerian Army maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline and extortion. Troops deployed in these areas have never engaged in such illegal or unethical conduct,” the statement added.
The Army further alleged that the author of the viral video is a disgruntled retired airman with a record of spreading false narratives against senior military officers, both during and after his service, in a bid to attract attention and mislead the public.
“The allegations contained in the said video are malicious, unfounded, and deserving of outright condemnation,” the Army said, describing the content as propaganda aimed at discrediting the military.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the 35 Artillery Brigade pledged to continue operating transparently while prioritising the welfare of its personnel.
It also assured residents of Ogun State of sustained collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property.
“Headquarters, 35 Artillery Brigade, remains resolutely committed to professionalism, transparency, and the highest standards of military ethics in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities,” the statement concluded.