The Nigerian Army has formally rejected claims that soldiers deployed in Ogun State have been denied allowances or have engaged in systematic extortion of motorists. In a statement issued via its X handle, the 35 Artillery Brigade described the viral allegations as false, malicious and misleading.
Nigerian Army Ogun allowances: Brigade sets record straight
Major Idereghi Akari, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the Brigade, said the denial followed circulation of a video posted by an individual identified as Abdul. The clip alleged that personnel on company duties had not received their allowances and that troops manning border routes routinely extorted road users.
The Brigade said the personnel in question operate under Operation MESA, a state-sponsored, multi-agency security operation in Ogun State. It added that before Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba assumed command in January 2025, troops received ₦45,000 monthly. Following his appointment, the allowance was reviewed upwards to ₦60,000 per soldier per month, the statement said.
According to the Brigade, the reviewed allowance is being paid regularly by the state government. The move aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s emphasis on sound administration and troop welfare, the statement added.
On the allegation that troops extort motorists along border routes, the Brigade categorically denied any such conduct. It stated that the Nigerian Army maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline and extortion and that no credible complaint has been recorded against soldiers deployed along these routes.
As part of compliance with directives from Defence and Army Headquarters, the Brigade confirmed that unnecessary checkpoints had been removed from border corridors. Only relevant, authorised security agencies are now permitted to conduct lawful checks on vehicles and occupants, the statement said.
The Brigade also sought to discredit the source of the viral clip. It alleged the individual behind the video is a disgruntled retired airman with a history of spreading false narratives against senior officers. The statement accused him of attempting to mislead the public.
Officials emphasised the Brigade’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and the welfare of its personnel. They said the unit will continue to work with other security agencies and stakeholders in Ogun State to safeguard lives and property and to address legitimate grievances through established channels.
Analysts note that troop welfare and operational discipline are sensitive topics in areas where multiple agencies operate. The Brigade’s public response seeks to reassure both the local population and the troops themselves that allowances are being paid and that efforts are under way to curb abuses by any security actor.
While the denial may settle concerns among some residents, independent monitoring and open channels for reporting misconduct will be important to preserve trust between security forces and the communities they serve. The Brigade encouraged anyone with credible complaints to report them so they can be investigated promptly.
Key Takeaways:
- The 35 Artillery Brigade says Nigerian Army Ogun allowances were increased from ₦45,000 to ₦60,000 and are paid regularly by the state government.
- The Brigade denied allegations of extortion by troops and stated it maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline.
- Unnecessary checkpoints along border routes have been removed, leaving authorised agencies to conduct checks.
- The viral video was attributed to a retired airman described as disgruntled; the Brigade pledged continued cooperation with security partners.
