…the Nigerian Army maintains a zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline and extortion,
OGUN, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The army Headquarters of the 35 Artillery Brigade in Abeokuta has rejected claims that soldiers deployed in Ogun State are being denied allowances or involved in extortion, describing the allegations as false, malicious and misleading.
The Brigade was responding to a viral video circulated by an individual identified as Abdul, which accused the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba; the Commanding Officer of the 351 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Matthew; and the Brigade Operations Officer, Major Isaac Ezechukwu, of withholding soldiers’ allowances and permitting the extortion of motorists along border corridors.
In a statement dated January 2, 2026, and signed by Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, the Army explained that personnel deployed on company duties in Ogun State are operating under Operation MESA, a state-funded, multi-agency security operation.
The statement noted that before Brigadier General Nwamba assumed command in January 2025, troops under Operation MESA received a monthly allowance of ₦45,000. Upon taking office, the Brigade Commander approved an increase to ₦60,000 per soldier, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s emphasis on effective administration. The Brigade added that the allowances are being paid consistently by the Ogun State Government.
Addressing the extortion claims, the Army firmly denied that soldiers stationed along border routes engage in illegal or unethical practices. It emphasized that the Nigerian Army maintains a zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline and extortion, adding that no substantiated complaints have been lodged against the personnel involved.
The statement further revealed that, in line with directives from Defence and Army Headquarters, all unnecessary checkpoints along border areas have been dismantled, leaving only authorized security agencies to conduct lawful vehicle inspections.
Describing the accusations as a calculated attempt to mislead the public, the Brigade alleged that the video’s author is a disgruntled retired airman with a history of spreading false claims during his service and now seeking relevance through social media.
Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism and accountability, the 35 Artillery Brigade assured residents of Ogun State that it remains dedicated to protecting lives and property while upholding the highest standards of military discipline and ethics.
