A group of aggrieved Nigerian soldiers has issued a heartfelt open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, decrying the non-payment of their allowances and alleging widespread corruption among outgoing military service chiefs. The soldiers say their families are suffering while they continue to risk their lives in remote combat zones.
In the letter, which surfaced on October 28, the soldiers expressed deep frustration over the failure of the Nigerian Army to disburse various non-regular allowances owed to them. “Despite our dedication and hard work, we have been facing significant challenges that affect our well-being and job satisfaction,” the letter reads.
The soldiers claim that while they endure harsh conditions in the bush to protect the nation, their families are left hungry and unsupported. They accused outgoing military leaders of extortion and mismanagement, warning that if the issue is not resolved promptly, they may resort to public protests.
“We are not asking for luxury,” one soldier reportedly said. “We are asking for what we have earned. Our children are out of school, our spouses are struggling, and we are losing morale.”
The letter also calls on President Tinubu to personally intervene and ensure that the Ministry of Defence and Army leadership prioritize the welfare of active-duty personnel. The soldiers urged the President to extend his anti-corruption campaign to the military hierarchy, where they allege systemic abuse of power and financial misconduct.
This development comes amid public scrutiny over generous exit packages reportedly planned for sacked service chiefs, which have sparked outrage among both retired and serving junior personnel.