DHQ clarifies delay in troops’ allowances

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified issues surrounding the reported delay in the payment of rations and allowances to troops deployed across various operational theatres in the country, saying the situation was due to banking transactions and not negligence on the part of the military or its field commanders.

Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Markus Kangye, made the clarification on Thursday in Abuja while briefing Defence Correspondents on ongoing military operations against insurgency and other security challenges nationwide.

Reacting to reports that soldiers under Operation Hadarin Daji in the North West and Operation Whirl Stroke in the North Central had not received their Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) since August, Kangye dismissed the allegations as misleading.

According to him, “The issue of soldiers’ welfare has been a recurring one, and we have consistently explained it. There is no way a field commander will be given funds to feed his troops and pay their operational allowance, and he will refuse to do so. That would mean sending soldiers to fight on empty stomachs, which is unthinkable.”

The senior officer explained that minor delays could arise due to financial system issues, noting that such delays are temporary and not deliberate.

“Yes, there may be some delay in paying their RCA in certain instances, but definitely, that RCA will be paid. A delay of a day or two could be due to transaction issues. Nothing is perfect — no system is perfect,” he said.

Drawing an analogy, Kangye likened the situation to a family scenario where a husband transfers money to his wife, but due to banking glitches, the money is not immediately reflected.

“Even you, at the end of the month, when you transfer feeding allowance to your family, sometimes your wife says she didn’t see it. You tell her to wait — it’s a system issue. That’s exactly what’s happening,” he explained.

Kangye emphasized that the welfare of troops remains a top priority for the Military High Command, warning against narratives aimed at discrediting the efforts of field commanders and personnel on the frontline.

Speaking on recent military operations, the DDMO commended the continued dedication, professionalism, and courage of the armed forces in tackling security challenges nationwide.

“Over the past weeks, we have recorded significant successes across various operational theatres. These achievements reflect the strength of our strategic planning and the courage of our personnel on the ground, in the air, and at sea,” he said.

He noted that troops recovered large quantities of arms and ammunition during the period under review, including automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, improvised explosive device-making materials, and assorted ammunition.

Kangye lauded the gallant officers and men of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices, particularly those who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

“Our recent operational successes — whether in counterterrorism, anti-banditry, maritime security, or joint internal operations — are not just battlefield victories but clear demonstrations of our resolve to secure every inch of our nation,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across the country, stressing that the Armed Forces remain resilient and ever-ready to uphold their constitutional mandate.

“Together, with the cooperation of all stakeholders and the nation, we will continue to press forward until lasting peace is achieved,” he added.