The statement further noted that, in compliance with directives from Defence and Army Headquarters, unnecessary checkpoints along border areas have been dismantled, leaving only relevant security agencies to conduct vehicle checks.
The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations circulating on social media that soldiers deployed in Ogun State were denied their allowances and engaged in the extortion of motorists along border routes, describing the claims as false, malicious and misleading.
The Army said this in a statement issued on Thursday, by Assistant Director Army Public Relations 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, on the viral video authored by an individual identified as Abdul, which accused the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba.
The Army clarified that troops deployed on company duties in Ogun State are operating under Operation MESA, a state-sponsored, multi-agency security initiative. According to the statement, personnel under the operation previously received a monthly allowance of ₦45,000.
“Upon assuming command in January 2025, Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba approved an upward review of the allowance to ₦60,000 per soldier monthly, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy on sound administration,” the Brigade said, adding that the revised allowance is being paid by the state government as and when due.
Addressing claims that soldiers extort motorists along border routes, the Brigade stated that there has been no credible complaint against its troops. It reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline and unethical conduct, including extortion.
The statement further noted that, in compliance with directives from Defence and Army Headquarters, unnecessary checkpoints along border areas have been dismantled, leaving only relevant security agencies to conduct vehicle checks.
Describing the allegations as “unfounded and deliberately misleading,” the Brigade alleged that the individual behind the video is a disgruntled retired airman with a history of disseminating false narratives against senior officers, both during and after his service.
"The allegations contained in the said video are malicious, unfounded and deliberately misleading and are therefore deserving of outright condemnation,” the army officer said.
“The individual behind the video is a known disgruntled retired airman who, even during his service in the Nigerian Air Force, engaged in acts aimed at discrediting senior officers through propaganda and the dissemination of false narratives. His current actions are clearly geared towards attracting undue social media attention and misleading the public."
The Army reiterated its commitment to professionalism, transparency and the welfare of its personnel, while assuring residents of Ogun State of continued collaboration with other security agencies to protect lives and property.
"Headquarters, 35 Artillery Brigade, remains resolutely committed to professionalism, transparency and the welfare of its personnel,” the Army said.
“The Brigade will continue to collaborate closely with other security agencies and security stakeholders in Ogun State to ensure the effective protection of lives and property, while upholding the highest standards of military ethics and discipline in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.”