The Nigerian Army has officially responded to a viral video circulating on social media platforms showing soldiers expressing dissatisfaction with food supplies allegedly provided by their superiors.
In a statement released on Thursday by Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the military expressed serious concern about the video that has gained widespread attention.
"The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn, with utmost concern, to a video circulating widely on social media and picked up by some mainstream media platforms," the statement read.
The controversial footage shows soldiers displaying food items they claimed were provided by higher command, suggesting inadequacies in both quality and quantity of the supplies.
While the full context and authenticity of the video remain under verification, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter.
"The issue is being treated with the seriousness it deserves," the Army emphasized in its statement.
The COAS reaffirmed that troops' welfare remains his highest priority, aligning with his command philosophy: "To Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment."
This commitment is further strengthened by the recently launched Soldier First Concept, which prioritizes "the welfare of family members, well-being, dignity, and operational readiness of soldiers at the core of all Army policies and actions," according to the statement.
The Nigerian Army has assured both its personnel and the general public of its continued dedication to maintaining high standards of leadership accountability, troop welfare, and institutional integrity in fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
"The well-being and effectiveness of the Nigerian soldier remain central to our ongoing transformation efforts and operational success," the statement continued.
In line with the COAS's commitment to transparency and accountability, the Army has promised to make the investigation's findings public upon conclusion.
This incident comes at a time when military welfare has become increasingly important amid ongoing security challenges across the country, highlighting the critical relationship between troop morale and operational effectiveness.
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