April 13, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel | Defence & Security
Tension is mounting within the ranks of troops battling insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East, as soldiers have raised serious concerns over unpaid allowances and alleged corruption within the system.
Personnel of the Nigerian Army deployed against Boko Haram insurgents have accused military authorities of delaying and underpaying their entitlements, warning that the situation is affecting morale on the frontline.
Speaking anonymously for fear of reprisals, several soldiers revealed that the Scarce Skills Allowance (SSA), officially pegged at ₦100,000 monthly, has been inconsistently paid, with many receiving only about ₦20,000.
They further disclosed that the allowance for March 2026 remains unpaid across multiple formations, particularly in Borno State, where the fight against insurgency is most intense.
“Our allowance is no longer paid on time, and nobody is explaining why,” one soldier lamented. “Since the current leadership took over, things have worsened.”
The SSA was introduced in 2017 under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari as part of welfare measures outlined in the military’s financial regulations to support personnel engaged in high-risk operations.
However, affected troops now allege that the funds are being mismanaged at the top levels of the military hierarchy.
In more troubling claims, soldiers accused some senior officers of diverting or withholding the allowances for personal gain, alleging that the funds are delayed deliberately and possibly invested before eventual disbursement.
“It feels like the money has become personal to some top officials,” another source claimed. “We are risking our lives daily, yet our welfare is neglected.”
The soldiers also alleged that attempts to raise concerns through official channels are often met with threats, further discouraging complaints and deepening frustration within the ranks.
Security analysts warn that prolonged welfare issues could weaken troop morale and operational effectiveness in the ongoing fight against insurgency.
The aggrieved personnel have called on the Federal Government to intervene urgently, suggesting that financial administration within the armed forces should be reviewed to ensure transparency and accountability.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from military authorities regarding the allegations.
The development adds to growing concerns about the welfare of Nigerian troops, especially at a time when they continue to face increasing threats from insurgent groups in active conflict zones.
