The chief of army staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered an investigation into a viral video of soldiers expressing frustration over poor feeding by operational commanders.
The viral footage shows some personnel displaying food items allegedly sent to them by their higher command, suggesting dissatisfaction with the quality and quantity of the food items.
Reacting to the video, Lt-Col Appolonia Anele, the acting director of Army Public Relations, said the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness.
She assured both personnel and the general public that while the authenticity and context of the video are yet to be fully ascertained, the matter is being treated with the seriousness it deserves.
“Consequently, the chief of army staff (COAS), Lt- Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered a thorough and detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. In line with his commitment to transparency and accountability, the outcome of the investigation will be made public upon conclusion,” she said.
The COAS reiterated that troops’ welfare remains his topmost priority, in line with his command philosophy, which is: “To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”
This philosophy is further reinforced in the recently launched “Soldier First” Concept, which places the welfare of family members, well-being, dignity, and operational readiness of soldiers at the core of all Army policies and actions.
The statement encouraged personnel to utilise established and appropriate military channels to present their concerns or complaints, especially on welfare services.
“The use of unauthorised platforms to express grievances, particularly on operational matters, is highly discouraged and considered a breach of military ethics and discipline,” he warned.
Therefore, he reassured all Nigerian Army personnel and the general public that he would continue to uphold the highest standards of leadership accountability, troops’ welfare, and institutional integrity in fulfilling his constitutional mandate.
“The well-being and effectiveness of the Nigerian soldier remain central to our ongoing transformation efforts and operational success,” the COAS assured.
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