By Fatima Saka
The Headquarters, Theatre Command of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has dismissed as false and misleading a viral video alleging non-payment of allowances to troops and victimization of a soldier within the theatre of operations.
In a statement issued on May 23, 2026, the Media Information Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, described the claims in the video as a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and discredit the military command structure.
The command clarified that the funds referenced in the video do not constitute operational allowances, stressing that all legitimate entitlements due to troops have been fully paid up to date as of May 2026. These include the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) for centralized feeding, operational allowances paid directly into personnel accounts, and habit allowances.
According to the statement, the controversy stems from an additional incentive provided to troops deployed to secure a critical national asset in Tuba. This incentive, unlike standard allowances, is disbursed only when funds are available. Initially funded by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the payments ceased following the halt of exploration activities.
The Borno State Government subsequently assumed responsibility for the payments and is currently working to integrate troop payments into an existing scheme covering police and volunteer forces. At the time concerns were raised, funds for this supplementary allowance were still pending.
The Theatre Command further revealed that the affected soldier had presented the issue during an operational visit to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, who assured troops that efforts were underway to secure the release of funds.
Refuting claims of intimidation or punitive action, the command stated that there was no evidence of victimization, reiterating the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare and fair treatment of its personnel.
Preliminary investigations, it added, indicate that the video was produced by a content creator known for disseminating unverified information sourced from a small group of disgruntled individuals, rather than the soldier involved.
The command condemned the act as unpatriotic and warned that the spread of such misinformation violates the Armed Forces’ social media policy. It noted that appropriate measures are in place to address breaches in line with military regulations.
Reaffirming its commitment to troop welfare, the Military High Command said mechanisms have been strengthened to ensure timely payment of all legitimate entitlements, alongside improved coordination with relevant stakeholders for supplementary allowances.
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The Theatre Command urged media organisations and the public to verify information before dissemination, warning that unverified reports could undermine troop morale and compromise national security.
Operation HADIN KAI, it added, remains focused on its mandate to restore peace, security, and economic stability in the North-East while maintaining professionalism, discipline, and accountability.
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