A senior officer within the Nigerian Army has responded to the economic challenges facing the country and the reported inadequate compensation for soldiers, remarking that the nation is ‘putting pressure on the military.’
Referring to a video depicting a junior soldier stationed in Maiduguri, Borno State, expressing frustration over his inability to visit his family due to exorbitant transportation costs surpassing his salary, the unnamed army officer conveyed his concerns in a video message. He warned that the military is on edge, likening the situation to a powder keg, a statement that has sparked concerns about potential unrest online.
The officer mentioned that even the promised funds for army veterans, intended to prevent them from utilizing their expertise against society, have not been disbursed.
Furthermore, he criticized the state of affairs in a country where large sums of money mysteriously disappear, with reports of public funds being devoured by snakes.
Meanwhile, the soldier featured in the viral video lamented his predicament, revealing how he spent a year in the Borno bush before receiving permission to visit his family. However, he found himself unable to afford the transportation costs, which amounted to N35,000 one-way, totaling N70,000 for a round trip—more than his monthly salary of N50,000.
In his native dialect, the soldier expressed his dismay, highlighting the financial hardships faced by many within the Nigerian Army.
