Diversion Of Cash By Troops At Zungeru Not True

Edited By Aisha Adesanya

The Nigerian Army says it is committed to upholding integrity, transparency and accountability in the administration of the welfare of troops in all its operations and other endeavours.

This is contained in a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu in Abuja.

According to the statement the Headquarters of the Nigerian Army is aware of a publication by some online media alleging corruption and diversion of three months Ration Cash Allowance RCA of troops of the Nigerian Army deployed to provide security to Chinese nationals working at the ongoing Zungeru

Hydro Electricity Dam Project in Niger state by their erstwhile General Officer Commanding Major General Alabi and Brigadier General Jamiu Jimoh.

The statement explains that the Nigeria Army understands the concern raised by the online media regarding these allegations, and states unequivocally that under the leadership of Lieutenant General Taoheed Lagbaja, the welfare of troops takes a premium place amongst other important schemes and considerations, as it is one of the vital pillars of his Command Philosophy.

The Nigeria Army reiterates that it has zero tolerance for any form of financial misappropriation and is strongly aversed to any action inimical to the morale of troops.

It however stresses that contrary to the insinuations made in the online report, preliminary investigation reveals that troops deployed at the Chinese Company in Niger state have always been paid in tranches by the Nigeria Army on receipt of the funds from the institution concerned.

The statement further explains that the last tranch payment of RCA by the affected institution for the troops deployed, elapsed on 28 February 2023 and the next tranche of payment is being processed while the Army Headquarters has paid the troops covering the period 1 March – 30 June 2023 in a bid to ameliorate the operating conditions of the troops and keep them at par with deployments elsewhere.

It states that in order to cushion the effects of the tranche mode of payment, provision was made to feed the troops daily and this has been a routine, as such the troops’ RCA was not diverted by any of the senior officers named in the publication or any one else, as wrongly portrayed.

The Nigeria Army adds that it does not only recognize the importance of ensuring the welfare and well-being of its personnel, but also appreciates its positive impact on their overall morale.