Nigerian Soldiers Fighting Boko Haram Allege Non-Payment of Allowances, Accuse Army Hierarchy of Corruption

Soldiers fighting Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria’s North-East have lamented the non-payment of their de-induction allowances, alleging corruption by the Nigerian Army high command.

The soldiers, who spoke to SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity, revealed that they were mobilized under Operation Hadin Kai, a joint operation comprising the armed forces, police, and paramilitary operatives.

Each personnel is expected to serve for two years and receive a parting allowance of N1 million upon de-induction.

However, the soldiers claimed that they have not received their allowances, unlike their counterparts in the Navy, Air Force, and Nigerian Customs, who confirmed receiving N1 million each.

The soldiers showed a de-induction form that they were asked to fill with their bank details at the end of their two-year operation. They alleged that the army hierarchy has failed to pay them, despite filling the forms.

“It’s a fraud. They will put the money in their pockets and claim they paid us,” one soldier said. “All land soldiers have not been collecting, but customs, navy, and others have been getting N1 million at the end of duty.”

The soldiers’ allegations have sparked concerns about corruption within the Nigerian Army. Efforts to reach the Army spokesperson, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages went unanswered.

This development raises questions about the welfare of soldiers fighting in the front lines and the transparency of the military’s financial dealings.