The Nigerian Army has launched a full investigation into a viral video showing a group of soldiers expressing discontent over the quality and quantity of food allegedly supplied to them by their superiors.
The video, which has been widely circulated on social media and picked up by some mainstream outlets, shows soldiers displaying poorly packed food items, which they claimed were inadequate and substandard.
Reacting to the development, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, issued a statement on Thursday confirming that the matter had caught the attention of military authorities.
“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.
While the authenticity and full context of the footage are still being verified, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident.
“The issue is being treated with the seriousness it deserves,” the Army stated, emphasizing its commitment to transparency.
Reaffirming the Army’s commitment to troop welfare, the COAS reiterated that the well-being of soldiers remains central to his leadership approach, encapsulated in 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 approach is further embedded in the recently introduced Soldier First Concept, which prioritizes the welfare, dignity, and operational readiness of every Nigerian soldier.
The Army reassured both personnel and the public that it will continue to uphold high standards of accountability, welfare, and integrity in the discharge of its constitutional duties.
“The well-being and effectiveness of the Nigerian soldier remain central to our ongoing transformation efforts and operational success,” the statement concluded, adding that findings from the ongoing investigation will be made public once concluded.
