Nigerian Army Owe Troops Fighting Boko Haram Two Months’ Allowances

Troops involved in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State have alleged that they are being owed two months’ allowances by the Nigerian Army and have called on the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, to intervene.

Some of the aggrieved soldiers claimed that they have not been paid their allowances for August and September. Speaking with SaharaReporters under anonymity, the soldiers said the non-payment of their allowances by the Army has hampered their capacity to attend to the needs of their families and has dampened morale on the battlefield.

“Our allowances are usually enough to take care of our needs. But the last time we were paid was in July. I want to appeal to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Buratai for the immediate release of our allowances, though he may not know that we have not been paid. However, our morale is low. We are staking our lives in the defense of the country,” lamented a soldier.

An Army officer, who also spoke anonymously, corroborated the fact of the non-payment of troops’ allowances for two months. “It is true that we are yet to be paid our allowances for two months. Things are very difficult for us, especially given the rise in prices of various items. We cannot protest because it is against the Army regulations,” he said ruefully.