Army Denies Soldiers Were Served Poor Meals, Responds to Viral Video

The Nigerian Army has clarified that the individual in a viral video complaining about poor food quality for soldiers in Yobe State is not a member of their personnel. The video featured a man showing a small portion of semolina (semo) and expressing concerns about inadequate meals for soldiers in Kanama, Yobe State.

In response to the video, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, issued a statement on Thursday, confirming that the Army had launched an investigation into the matter. The investigation revealed that the individual in the video was not a soldier but rather a police officer stationed with the troops in Geidam.

Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu emphasized that no soldiers in the area were served substandard meals as suggested in the video. He noted that the police officer who recorded and shared the video did so with an ulterior motive, which is still under investigation.

The statement further highlighted the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel, particularly those deployed on the frontlines. It mentioned several initiatives led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, aimed at improving soldiers’ welfare. These initiatives include an increase in the Ration Cash Allowance, prompt medical evacuation for wounded soldiers, payment of backlog under the Group Life Insurance Scheme, affordable housing options with significant cost offsets, and the activation of Personnel Insurance Scheme payments for soldiers injured in combat operations.

Additionally, the statement noted the ongoing efforts to upgrade and equip Nigerian Army medical facilities, renovate and construct new accommodations for soldiers and their families, and ensure the well-being of troops and their dependents.