Nigerian soldiers during counter-insurgency operations in the North-East

Nigerian soldiers deployed against Boko Haram say unpaid operation allowances have left troops stranded and demoralised.

The affected troops disclosed this during an exclusive interview on Friday, alleging that thousands of soldiers are impacted and currently stranded in operational areas while confronting Boko Haram insurgents.

The soldiers said their morale has dropped sharply as they continue active combat without receiving the allowance meant to support their welfare during operations.

According to them, the allowance is designed to ensure basic comfort while on deployment, stressing that although the amount is modest, it remains crucial for daily survival in the field.

“Even though the money is small, it goes a long way,” one soldier said, alleging that their commander has continued to withhold the payments.

Operation Hadin Kai covers several parts of the North-East, including:

  • Sector 1: Maiduguri, Borno State
  • Sector 2: Damaturu, Yobe State
  • Sector 3: Maiduguri, Borno State
  • Sector 4: Yola, Adamawa State

The soldiers noted that other states in the region are not covered under the operation.

The troops explained that the operation allowance is paid monthly, usually on the first day of each month.

However, they alleged that FCMB, the designated payment bank, has refused to pay thousands of personnel their allowances.

The allowance reportedly applies to multiple security agencies involved in Operation Hadin Kai, including:

Nigerian Army

Mobile Police (MOPOL)

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)

According to the soldiers, the allowance is calculated at ₦1,500 per day, amounting to ₦46,500 monthly, but payments have become irregular.

One of the soldiers alleged that the payment issues worsened after a change in command.

“Ever since he took over from our former COAS, Major General Wahidi Shuaib, our operation allowance has been skipping till now,” the soldier said.

They identified the current officer in charge as the Theatre Commander, Major General Abubakar.

The soldiers appealed for immediate intervention, warning that continued non-payment could further weaken morale among troops risking their lives daily in counter-insurgency operations.

They also called for a review of operation allowances to reflect Nigeria’s current economic realities.

In September 2025, SaharaReporters reported similar complaints by Nigerian Army personnel over unpaid allowances and poor salaries, with calls for intervention by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The soldiers claimed that attempts to raise concerns were met with threats from military authorities.

All efforts to obtain a response from the Nigerian Army proved unsuccessful. Calls and messages sent to Lieutenant Colonel Onyechi Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, were unanswered as of the time of filing this report.