The Nigerian Army has recently addressed concerns raised by a viral video that claimed soldiers stationed in Kanama, located in Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, were being provided with substandard meals. The video, which quickly gained traction online, depicted a small portion of semovita (semo) served to a soldier, prompting allegations that the troops were not receiving adequate food.
In a formal statement issued on August 1, 2024, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, responded to these claims. According to Major General Nwachukwu, the video in question was recorded by a police officer who is currently stationed with the soldiers in Kanama. He clarified that the footage does not accurately represent the overall conditions or the quality of meals provided to the soldiers.
Major General Nwachukwu assured the public that all soldiers stationed in Kanama are being properly fed and are not subject to substandard meal provisions. He emphasized that the Nigerian Army is committed to maintaining the well-being of its personnel and that such claims are misleading. The response aims to set the record straight and assure both the soldiers and the general public of the Army’s dedication to providing adequate support for its troops.
The statement read,
“Sequel to the viral video, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja ordered an investigation headed by the Commander Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI to ascertain the veracity of the claim with a view to address any problem of poor feeding in the unit,”
“Following the findings of the investigation, it is crucial to clarify that the video in question was not created by soldiers of 159 Battalion, but was rather recorded by a police officer stationed with the troops deployed in Geidam. Contrary to the claim made in the video, no personnel in that location was served substandard meal as shown in the video
“Preliminary investigation has also revealed that the police officer who recorded and shared the video did so with an ulterior motive yet to be uncovered by the investigation. It is anticipated to be unraveled during further investigation.
“It is expedient to unambiguously state that the leadership of the Nigerian Army places premium on the welfare and well-being of troops and their families to ensure that they are adequately rewarded and motivated.
“The COAS has continued to show undeniable passion and commitment to the well-being of soldiers, particularly those deployed in the frontlines, where they are making priceless sacrifices in defence of the nation and ensuring the safety and security of the citizens. This is evident in the several welfare schemes berthed and currently implemented by the COAS.
These include increase in the Ration Cash Allowance, prompt medical evacuation of wounded in action soldiers for both foreign and local treatments, commencement of payment of the backlog of Group Life Insurance Scheme that had accumulated since 2012. Affordable House Ownership Option for all Soldiers (AHOOAS) with the COAS offsetting about 60 percent of the cost, and the activation of Personnel Insurance Scheme payments to soldiers who incure injury in combat operations.
These are aside from massive revamping and equiping of Nigerian Army Reference Hospitals and other medical facilities across formations and units of the Nigerian Army to cater for the health of personnel and their families and the ongoing renovation of old and construction of new accommodations for soldiers and their families in various Nigerian Army Cantonments and Barracks.
“The Nigerian Army, therefore, sincerely appreciates the troops for their inestimable service to fatherland and equally cherishes the public’s continued concern for the welfare of the troops, as well as their cooperation and support in maintaining peace and security.”
