Nigerian Army dismisses ‘mutiny’ report as fake news
By KEMI KASUMU and OUR REPORTER, Abuja
“Nigerian Army remains cohesive, disciplined and mission-focused,” it said, urging the public to disregard unverified reports and rely on official communication channels for information on the Armed Forces.
The Nigerian Army Headquarters has dismissed reports circulating on some online platforms alleging that a mutiny is brewing within its ranks, describing the claims as false, reckless and a threat to national security.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, January 19, 2026, the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) said the report alleging that soldiers were threatening mutiny over unpaid salaries and allowances was entirely untrue.
The statement, signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said there has been no instance—past or present—of mutiny threats in any Nigerian Army formation.
According to the Army, the report was a fabrication designed to provoke fear and undermine public confidence in the Armed Forces, stressing that mutiny remains one of the gravest offences under military law and is incompatible with the Army’s culture of discipline, hierarchy and professionalism.
Military authorities reaffirmed that Nigerian soldiers remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, noting that any suggestion of internal rebellion is inaccurate and misleading.
The Army also criticised the report for relying on anonymous and unverifiable sources circulated through unofficial channels, saying such claims do not reflect realities within military barracks or the established procedures for addressing grievances.
“Personnel are trained to channel grievances through internal military procedures, not social media or online platforms,” a senior defence source said.
Beyond rejecting the mutiny claim, the Army accused the report of misrepresenting military remuneration by isolating promotion increments and portraying them as total earnings. It clarified that soldiers’ pay packages include consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational and field allowances, hardship and deployment benefits, and other entitlements that vary by assignment and risk.
The Army said ongoing welfare reforms are being implemented in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government agencies. These include salary reviews, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, better medical services and strengthened insurance coverage for personnel and their families.
It disclosed that the Chief of Army Staff has engaged relevant authorities on welfare matters since assuming office, with what it described as “progressive outcomes” already emerging.
The statement also highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to troop welfare and operational effectiveness amid evolving security challenges.
Warning against portraying the Army as unstable, the statement said such narratives amount to irresponsible journalism with serious implications for national security.
“The Nigerian Army remains cohesive, disciplined and mission-focused,” it said, urging the public to disregard unverified reports and rely on official communication channels for information on the Armed Forces.
The Army concluded that there is no mutiny, no breakdown of discipline and no erosion of professionalism, insisting the force remains firmly committed to its constitutional duties.
