The Nigerian Army has responded to a viral video circulating widely on social media, showing some soldiers expressing dissatisfaction with food supplies allegedly provided by their superiors.
The video, which has since been picked up by several mainstream media platforms, featured troops displaying food items they claimed were sent by military authorities, suggesting that both the quality and quantity were inadequate.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, the Nigerian Army expressed concern over the content of the footage and announced immediate action.
“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn, with utmost concern, to a video circulating widely on social media and picked up by some mainstream media platforms,” the statement read.
Although the Army stated that the authenticity and full context of the video are still being verified, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
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“The issue is being treated with the seriousness it deserves,” the Army affirmed.
Reaffirming his commitment to the welfare of personnel, Lt.-Gen. Oluyede emphasized that troops’ well-being remains a core priority of his leadership.
“Troops’ welfare remains topmost priority, in line with consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian army toward bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment,” the COAS stated.
He added that this vision is anchored in his overarching leadership philosophy and has been further reinforced by the army’s recently launched initiative.
“This philosophy is further reinforced in the recently launched ‘Soldier First’ Concept, which places the welfare of family members, well-being, dignity, and operational readiness of soldiers at the core of all Army policies and actions,” he said.
Lt.-Gen. Oluyede also urged military personnel to utilise appropriate internal mechanisms to raise complaints rather than turning to external platforms.
“The Nigerian army encourages personnel to utilise established and appropriate military channels to present their concerns or complaints especially on welfare services,” the statement said.
“The use of unauthorised platforms to express grievances, particularly on operational matters, is highly discouraged and considered a breach of military ethics and discipline,” it added.
The Army assured the public and all its personnel of its ongoing commitment to transparency, integrity, and welfare reforms.
“The Nigerian army reassures all its personnel and the general public that it will continue to uphold the highest standards of leadership accountability, troops’ welfare and institutional integrity in fulfilment of its constitutional mandate,” the statement continued.
“The well-being and effectiveness of the Nigerian soldier remains central to our ongoing transformation efforts and operational success,” it concluded.
The Army further stated that “in line with his commitment to transparency and accountability, the outcome of the investigation will be made public upon conclusion.”