SUNTV GLOBAL CHANNEL REPORT
Soldiers fighting Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Nigeria’s North-East have accused the Nigerian Army of punishing whistleblowers instead of addressing worsening welfare conditions faced by troops on the battlefield.
The angry personnel, who spoke anonymously over fears of retaliation, alleged that military authorities are more focused on suppressing criticism than solving long-standing complaints about poor feeding, inadequate welfare, and difficult living conditions under Operation Hadin Kai.
The reactions followed the Army’s decision to sanction a soldier who posted a viral video and images on social media showing what he described as poor food rations given to troops at the frontline.
According to the soldiers, the punishment has created fear among personnel who now believe speaking out about their suffering could lead to disciplinary action.
“They know the truth, but instead of improving conditions, they are trying to silence everyone,” one soldier said.
“The issue is bigger than one photograph. Soldiers risking their lives daily against terrorists are suffering from poor feeding and harsh welfare conditions, yet those in command keep denying it.”
Another soldier accused military authorities of ignoring repeated complaints submitted through official channels.
“We have complained many times internally, but nothing changes. Sometimes the food is not enough, sometimes the quality is terrible. Yet they continue telling Nigerians that troop welfare is their priority,” the source stated.
The soldiers further claimed that fear now dominates the camps, with personnel allegedly warned against discussing operational welfare issues publicly.
“Nobody wants to speak anymore because once you complain, they accuse you of sabotaging military operations or spreading false information,” one of the troops alleged.
Earlier, the Nigerian Army, through Operation Hadin Kai, announced disciplinary measures against the soldier behind the viral post, insisting that the circulated images did not accurately reflect feeding standards in the North-East theatre.
In a statement signed by the task force spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Sanni Uba, the Army described the social media claims as “misleading” and maintained that troops were being fed according to approved military standards.
The Army also stated that feeding arrangements are supervised by internal monitoring committees made up of personnel from different ranks.
However, soldiers who spoke on the matter insisted that the authorities deliberately ignored the broader welfare concerns raised by troops while focusing only on the viral image.
“One soldier may be punished today, but another person will still speak out tomorrow because the suffering continues,” a source warned.
The controversy has once again drawn national attention to the welfare of Nigerian troops battling insurgency in the North-East, as several leaked videos and testimonies over the years have repeatedly highlighted complaints of poor feeding, delayed allowances, inadequate equipment, and poor accommodation.
Despite repeated denials from military authorities, many frontline soldiers insist the challenges remain unresolved.
