The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered an immediate investigation into a viral video showing troops allegedly expressing dissatisfaction over food supplies, according to a statement released by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, on Thursday in Abuja.
The video, which has circulated widely on social media and been picked up by mainstream media outlets, features soldiers displaying food items reportedly provided by military authorities. While the full context and authenticity of the footage remain unclear, the Army Chief has pledged to treat the matter with utmost concern.
Lt.-Gen. Oluyede assured that findings from the investigation would be made public in the spirit of transparency and accountability, reaffirming the military's commitment to troops' welfare through the "Soldier First" initiative, which prioritizes the well-being, dignity, and operational readiness of personnel and their families.
"Troops' welfare remains topmost priority, in line with consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian army toward bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment," the statement read.
The COAS emphasized that the "Soldier First" concept "places the welfare of family members, well-being, dignity, and operational readiness of soldiers at the core of all Army policies and actions."
However, the Army Chief urged personnel to channel complaints through established military procedures rather than resorting to unauthorized platforms, which he described as a violation of military ethics and discipline.
"The Nigerian army encourages personnel to utilise established and appropriate military channels to present their concerns or complaints especially on welfare services," the statement continued. "The use of unauthorised platforms to express grievances, particularly on operational matters, is highly discouraged and considered a breach of military ethics and discipline."
The Nigerian Army reassured both its personnel and the general public of its continued commitment to upholding the highest standards of leadership accountability, troops' welfare, and institutional integrity in fulfillment of its constitutional mandate.
"The well-being and effectiveness of the Nigerian soldier remains central to our ongoing transformation efforts and operational success," the statement concluded.
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