January 02, (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations of extortion and non-payment of allowances levelled against troops of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, Ogun State, describing the claims as false, malicious and deliberately misleading.
The 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, in a statement signed on Friday by its Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, said it had taken note of a viral video circulating on social media in which a narrator accused senior officers of the Brigade of denying soldiers their allowances and permitting troops deployed along border routes to extort motorists.
Reacting to the allegations, the Army clarified that soldiers deployed on company duties in Ogun State operate under Operation MESA, a state-sponsored, multi-agency security initiative.
According to the statement, personnel under the operation were previously paid a monthly allowance of ₦45,000 before the assumption of command by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba, in January 2025.
The Army disclosed that upon assuming command, Brigadier General 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 of sound administration and improved troop welfare. It added that the allowance is being duly paid by the state government as and when due.
On the allegation of extortion along border routes, the Brigade categorically denied that its troops have engaged in such conduct, stressing that the Nigerian Army maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline, corruption and extortion. It noted that no credible complaint has been recorded against personnel deployed in the affected areas.
The statement further revealed that, in compliance with directives from Defence and Army Headquarters, all unnecessary checkpoints along border routes within the Brigade’s area of responsibility have been dismantled, leaving only relevant security agencies to conduct legitimate checks on vehicles.
Describing the allegations as baseless, the Army alleged that the individual behind the viral video is a disgruntled retired airman with a history of spreading false narratives and propaganda against senior military officers, both during and after his service.
“The claims are unfounded and deserve outright condemnation”, the statement said, adding that they were intended to mislead the public and undermine confidence in the military.
The 35 Artillery Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency and the welfare of its personnel, while pledging continued collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders in Ogun State to ensure the protection of lives and property.
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