Soldiers deployed in Delta State under Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have raised serious concerns over poor living conditions, inadequate feeding, and alleged financial exploitation by commanding officers.
Stationed at Camp 5 in Warri South West Local Government Area, personnel from 181 Amphibious Battalion Agbor, 90 Amphibious Battalion Koko, and Sector 1 Warri described their situation as dire.
“We are suffering here. No proper food, no medical care, and no flying boat to evacuate a soldier during emergencies,” one soldier told SaharaReporters. “It’s like being in a punishment ground.”
The troops claimed that while commanding officers rotate feeding duties monthly, the meals provided are insufficient. “We only eat twice a day instead of three, and sometimes go without food for over a week,” another soldier said.
Although the government increased the feeding allowance to ₦3,000 per day (₦90,000 monthly), soldiers allege they are not benefiting due to corruption among their superiors. “We’ve been told about the allowance increase, but we don’t see it. Our commanders are making money off our heads,” one soldier claimed.
Soldiers also reported being underpaid for deployments to oil companies. “We are deployed to companies that pay ₦300,000 to ₦400,000 per soldier per month, yet we only receive ₦30,000, and even that is difficult to get,” a soldier said. Many said they are owed up to three months of arrears.
The troops are calling for the removal of the 63 Brigade/Sector 1 Commander in Asaba, accusing him of failing to supervise his officers effectively. “We want Gen. CG Musa and Lt. Gen. OO Oluyede to intervene. We cannot endure this anymore,” a soldier stated.
In addition, the soldiers demand that deployment allowances be adjusted to match what is paid by the oil companies. “We are not asking for charity; we just want what is rightfully ours,” one soldier emphasized.
