Force News: Nigeria Army Denies Mutiny Claims, Reaffirms Discipline
The Nigerian Army has taken a firm stance against internal instability, as the official Nigeria Army mutiny claims denial was issued in response to viral reports suggesting unrest within the ranks. In a comprehensive statement released on Monday, January 19, 2026, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, dismissed allegations that soldiers were threatening a mutiny over salary disparities and unpaid allowances.
The military leadership described the reports as “sensational and professionally dishonest,” asserting that the Nigerian Army remains a cohesive and disciplined force loyal to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The controversy erupted following an online publication that cited an anonymous letter allegedly written by aggrieved junior officers. The letter reportedly lamented that recent promotion-related salary increments were as low as ₦2,000 for some ranks, a figure the authors claimed was insufficient given the current economic climate.
However, the Army spokesperson clarified that these promotion increments represent only one minor component of a soldier’s total compensation package. She explained that military remuneration is a complex structure involving consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational field pay, hardship allowances, and specific entitlements that vary by deployment and qualification.
Addressing the root of the grievances, the Army emphasized that it is currently implementing “structured welfare reforms” in collaboration with the Federal Government. These reforms include periodic salary reviews, enhanced medical insurance, and the massive renovation of barracks accommodation across the country.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reportedly made troop welfare a cornerstone of his command since assuming office. General Shaibu has initiated direct engagements with relevant government agencies to ensure that the 25-35% salary increase approved by the Federal Government is fully and fairly implemented across all cadres.
The military high command also warned that spreading unfounded rumors of mutiny is a “grave offense” that undermines national security. Mutiny, as defined under the Armed Forces Act, carries the heaviest penalties in military law and is considered entirely alien to the professional ethos of the Nigerian soldier. The Army urged personnel to use established internal channels to voice grievances rather than resorting to unofficial or public platforms. This reminder of the military’s chain of command serves to reinforce the message that the institution remains stable despite external attempts to portray it as fractured.
Furthermore, the statement reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces. Beyond just pay, the government is investing in high-tech equipment and wargaming centers to modernize the force’s response to evolving security threats.
As the Army continues its internal security operations across various geopolitical zones, the leadership maintains that troop morale is stable and that the focus remains on defending Nigeria’s sovereignty. The public is advised to rely solely on official communication channels for updates regarding military affairs to avoid falling victim to misinformation.