Some Nigerian soldiers deployed to fight Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East under Operation Hadin Kai have accused their commander of withholding their operation allowances, leaving troops stranded and demoralized in the field, SaharaReporters has learned.
In an exclusive interview on Friday, affected soldiers claimed that thousands of troops have been impacted, with many struggling to sustain themselves during ongoing counter-insurgency operations. “Even though the money is small, it still goes a long way,” one soldier said, adding that the allowance is meant to ensure troops live comfortably while on deployment.
Operation Hadin Kai spans several states in the North-East, including Sector 1 and 3 in Maiduguri, Borno State; Sector 2 in Damaturu, Yobe State; and Sector 4 in Yola, Adamawa State. The soldiers explained that the monthly allowance, calculated at ₦1,500 per day (about ₦46,500 per month), is supposed to be disbursed on the first of every month, but payments have become irregular.
The troops alleged that FCMB refused to process payments for thousands of personnel and blamed Theatre Commander Major General Abubakar for the disruption. They also stated that the allowance applies to other security agencies involved in the operation, including Mobile Police and NSCDC personnel.
“Ever since he took over from our former COAS, Major General Wahidi Shuaib, our operation allowance has been skipping till now,” one soldier said, warning that continued non-payment could further weaken morale among troops risking their lives daily.
The soldiers also called for a review of allowances to reflect current economic realities and noted that prior complaints were allegedly met with threats from army authorities.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Nigerian Army proved unsuccessful, as calls and messages to Lieutenant Colonel Onyechi Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, went unanswered.
This development raises concerns about the welfare of troops on the frontlines, highlighting the need for urgent intervention to ensure both morale and operational efficiency in the fight against Boko Haram.
