Nigerian Army Denies Mutiny Threat Over Salaries, Says Welfare Reforms Ongoing

The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports of an impending mutiny by aggrieved soldiers over poor salaries and allowances, describing such claims as false and misleading. In a statement signed by Acting Army Spokesperson, Col. Appolonia Anele, the military said mutiny is alien to its discipline and professionalism. The Army clarified that promotion increments are only part of overall remuneration and listed multiple allowances that make up soldiers’ pay. While acknowledging welfare concerns, it said structured reforms, salary reviews and improved benefits are ongoing, reaffirming loyalty to the Constitution and President Tinubu.

#NigerianArmy #MilitaryWelfare #MutinyClaims #NigeriaSecurity #Tinubu

Is Nigeria’s Army Under Digital Attack? Nigerian Army Hunts Operators of Fake Social Media Accounts Impersonating the Chief of Army Staff

The Nigerian Army has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a growing digital threat: the proliferation of fake social media accounts falsely claiming to be operated by or affiliated with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu. The development has raised concerns about online fraud, misinformation, and the misuse of military authority in cyberspace.

In a press statement issued on January 9, 2026, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, described the trend as “disturbing,” warning that unscrupulous individuals are creating and running these accounts to mislead the public. According to the Army, the impostor profiles are being used to solicit funds, defraud unsuspecting citizens, and circulate false information in the name of the COAS and the Nigerian Army.

The Army categorically clarified that Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu does not operate or maintain any official social media account on any platform. This statement directly contradicts the claims made by the fake profiles, which present themselves as authoritative voices of the Army’s top leadership.

Colonel Anele urged Nigerians to exercise extreme caution online and avoid engaging with, responding to, or sharing content from any account claiming to represent the Chief of Army Staff. The public was advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious pages, as interaction with such accounts could expose users to financial scams, identity theft, or the spread of dangerous misinformation.

Beyond public awareness, the Army confirmed that it is actively pursuing the operators behind these accounts. It stated that necessary steps are being taken to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible in accordance with existing laws. The move underscores a broader effort by the military to combat cyber-enabled crimes that exploit public trust in state institutions.

The development highlights growing concerns about digital impersonation and information warfare in Nigeria, particularly as social media becomes an increasingly powerful tool for influence, deception, and criminal activity. By issuing a formal warning and launching a manhunt for the perpetrators, the Nigerian Army is signaling its determination to protect both its institutional credibility and the public from online exploitation.

As authorities intensify their investigation, Nigerians are being reminded that not every account bearing official names or military symbols is legitimate. The episode serves as a stark reminder of how easily digital platforms can be weaponised—and why vigilance, verification, and accountability are more critical than ever in the age of social media.

PRESS RELEASE

COAS VISITS OBA OF LAGOS, SOLICITS TRADITIONAL SUPPORT FOR MILITARY OPERATIONS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday, 11 December 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Oba Rilwan Akiolu I, at his palace in Lagos.

During the visit, the COAS expressed profound appreciation to the revered monarch and the council of Obas for their consistent support to the Nigerian Army. He noted that the purpose of his visit was not only to extend his gratitude but also to seek the blessings of the royal father, stressing that Nigeria’s customs and traditions remain sacrosanct and must always be honoured.

General Shaibu lauded Oba Akiolu for the fatherly role he has continually played in supporting Army formations and institutions across Lagos State. He described the Oba’s guidance and goodwill as invaluable to the Army’s operational and civil–military cooperation efforts.

In his response, the Oba of Lagos commended the Nigerian Army for its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and maintaining peace. He described the Army as a critical pillar upon which the Nigerian State stands, adding that the sacrifices and professionalism of its personnel have contributed significantly to national stability.

Oba Akiolu also applauded the COAS for his steadfast leadership and dedication to ensuring a peaceful and secure country. He thereafter offered special prayers for sustained peace in Nigeria and for Lieutenant General Shaibu’s successful tenure as the 25th Chief of Army Staff.

The visit underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening relationships with traditional institutions as vital stakeholders in the nation’s peace and security architecture

APPOLONIA ANELE
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
11 December 2025

COAS DECORATES ARMY SPOKESPERSON AS COLONEL …Reaffirms Public Trust as a Strategic Enabler for Military Operations

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal, on 9 December 2025, decorated the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, with the rank of Colonel in recognition of her steadfast dedication and exemplary service to the Nigerian Army.

At a brief ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, the COAS commended Colonel Anele’s professionalism and unwavering commitment, charging the Directorate of Army Public Relations to sustain its efforts in projecting the Nigerian Army’s image responsibly and credibly.

Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Bamidele Alabi, the COAS underscored the indispensable role of public trust in the success of military operations. He urged the Directorate of Army Public Relations to strengthen transparent, accountableand timely communication on the activities of the Nigerian Army, stressing that effective strategic communication remains vital in bolstering national confidence in the Armed Forces.

The Army Chief further tasked the Acting Director to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and loyalty, while mentoring her subordinates to enhance the overall effectiveness and capacity of the Directorate.

In her vote of thanks, Colonel Appolonia Anele expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the COAS for their visionary leadership, purposeful guidance and mentorship, which she described as instrumental to her career advancement.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including former Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman Kukasheka (Rtd) mni; Colonel Mustapha Anka (Rtd) mni, senior officers serving and retired; alongside family members, friends and well-wishers.

NIGERIA–INDIA ADVANCES DEFENCE PARTNERSHIP AS INDIAN DEFENCE ADVISER VISIT COAS

The strategic defence partnership between Nigeria and India received a significant boost on 9 December 2025 when the Indian Defence Adviser to Nigeria, Colonel Manoj Singh, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu Nigerian Army Medal, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja. The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to strengthening bilateral military cooperation and advancing shared security interests.

Colonel Singh while making his remarks commended the Nigerian Army for its sustained efforts in tackling security challenges nationwide and expressed appreciation for the warm reception. He emphasized India’s willingness to broaden defence cooperation, expand training opportunities for Nigerian Army personnel and deepen technical exchanges in critical areas of mutual benefit.

In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu stressed the importance of maintaining an enduring partnership with the Indian Armed Forces. He described India’s long-standing support in military training, capacity building and defence development as invaluable, noting the need to further enhance collaboration in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence sharing, equipment support and professional military education.

The visit featured the presentation of souvenirs to the Defence Adviser by the COAS as a symbol of friendship and continued cooperation. Colonel Singh also signed the visitors’ book and a group photograph.

APPOLONIA ANELE
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
9 December, 2025

Army denies alleged plan to force youths into the military service.

The Nigerian Army has rejected claims that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, is planning to forcibly recruit Nigerian youths aged 18 and above into military service.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, the Acting Director of Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, called the viral report a “malicious fabrication” designed to mislead people and sow fear.

She stressed that at no point did the COAS threaten mandatory enlistment for youths who don’t volunteer.

She clarified that the COAS has never made any such statements in any official forum or public engagement.

The viral post also alleged that 10,000 soldiers recruited last year have gone missing, a claim the Army spokesperson dismissed as entirely unfounded.

Lt-Col. Anele emphasized that spreading false information of this nature is a criminal offense, and anyone involved could be tracked, apprehended, and prosecuted under the law.

The Nigerian Army further urged the public to rely solely on verified communication channels and official social media accounts for credible information.

Anele stressed that the Army remains committed to transparent recruitment processes and maintaining public trust.

However, the Nigeria Army recently announced plans to recruit a new batch of soldiers to strengthen national security.

Army Chief Orders Investigation into Viral Video on Alleged Poor Feeding of Troops.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered a full investigation into a viral video showing Nigerian soldiers complaining about inadequate food supplies from their commanders.

In the video, some troops are seen displaying food items allegedly sent to them by higher authorities, expressing dissatisfaction with both the quality and quantity provided.

Reacting to the footage, Lt-Col Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, said the incident is being taken seriously. She noted that while the full context and authenticity of the video are still being verified, the Army is committed to addressing the matter thoroughly.

“Accordingly, the COAS has directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident,” she said. “Consistent with his dedication to transparency and accountability, the findings of the probe will be made public once concluded."

Lt-Gen. Oluyede reaffirmed that troop welfare remains his top priority, aligning with his leadership philosophy: “To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment.”

He also emphasized the recently launched “Soldier First” concept, which focuses on the well-being, dignity, and combat readiness of soldiers, along with support for their families.

The Army urged personnel to report grievances through established internal channels, stressing that airing complaints on unauthorized platforms, especially concerning operational matters is against military ethics and discipline.