The Nigerian Army has ordered an immediate investigation into a viral video showing some of its personnel displaying their food rations and expressing dissatisfaction over the quality and quantity of the supplies.
The video, which has circulated widely across social media platforms and garnered attention from mainstream media, raised serious concerns about troop welfare and the standard of living conditions in military deployments.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 24, 2025, and signed by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the Nigerian Army acknowledged the video and said it is taking the matter seriously.
“While the authenticity and full context of the footage are yet to be verified, the Nigerian Army is committed to investigating the matter thoroughly,” the statement read.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) emphasized that the welfare of troops remains a top priority, consistent with 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 philosophy, the Army noted, is further entrenched in the newly introduced ‘Soldier First’ initiative, which prioritizes the welfare of soldiers and their families, while promoting dignity and operational readiness across the force.
The Army urged its personnel to use internal channels and official mechanisms to report grievances, particularly on sensitive matters such as welfare and logistics. It warned that resorting to unauthorized platforms, especially in operational contexts, violates military ethics and discipline.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to upholding the highest standards of leadership accountability, troop welfare, and institutional integrity,” the statement added. “The well-being and efficiency of our soldiers remain central to our mission and ongoing reform efforts.”
The Army’s response comes amid broader national conversations around the welfare of security personnel engaged in internal and external operations across the country.
