Soldiers Not Fed Substandard Meals — Army

The Nigerian Army has debunked a report of substandard meals being fed to soldiers at the frontlines.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, stated this while reacting to a viral video alleging that soldiers of 159 Battalion in Kanama, Geidam local government area of Yobe State, were being poorly fed.

He said the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, following the incident ordered an investigation headed by the Commander, Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI, to ascertain the veracity of the claim with a view to address any problem of poor feeding in the unit.

He, however, said the findings of the investigation indicated that the video was not recorded by Soldiers of 159 Battalion but a Police officer deployed with the troops.

He added that contrary to the video, “no personnel in that location was served substandard meal as shown in the video.”

He said: “it is crucial to clarify that the video in question was not created by soldiers of 159 Battalion, but was rather recorded by a police officer stationed with the troops deployed in Geidam.

“Preliminary investigation has also revealed that the police officer who recorded and shared the video did so with an ulterior motive yet to be uncovered by the investigation. It is anticipated to be unravelled during further investigation.”

General Nwachukwu stated that the leadership of the Nigerian Army places premium on the welfare and well-being of troops and their families to ensure that they are adequately rewarded and motivated.

He said the Army Chief has continued to “show undeniable passion and commitment to the well-being of soldiers, particularly those deployed in the frontlines, where they are making priceless sacrifices in defence of the nation and ensuring the safety and security of the citizens. This is evident in the several welfare schemes berthed and currently implemented by the COAS. These include increase in the Ration Cash Allowance, prompt medical evacuation of wounded in action soldiers for both foreign and local treatments, commencement of payment of the backlog of Group Life Insurance Scheme that had accumulated since 2012. Affordable House Ownership Option for all Soldiers (AHOOAS) with the COAS offsetting about 60 percent of the cost, and the activation of Personnel Insurance Scheme payments to soldiers who incur injury in combat operations.”

He said the measures were aside from massive revamping and equipping of Nigerian Army Reference Hospitals and other medical facilities across formations and units of the Nigerian Army to cater for the health of personnel and their families and the ongoing renovation of old and construction of new accommodations for soldiers and their families in various Nigerian Army Cantonments and Barracks.

“The Nigerian Army, therefore, sincerely appreciates the troops for their inestimable service to fatherland and equally cherishes the public’s continued concern for the welfare of the troops, as well as their cooperation and support in maintaining peace and security,” the Army spokesman added.