The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede has ordered an immediate investigation into a video footage showing some Army personnel displaying food items allegedly sent to them by their higher command, purportedly said to be of low quality and quantity.
Disclosing this in Abuja on Thursday, the Acting Director Army Public Relations (DAPR), Lt Col Appolonia Anele said that the Nigerian Army whose attention was drawn to the video viewed it with utmost seriousness.
She explained that even though “the authenticity and context of the video are yet to be fully ascertained,” the Nigerian Army has assured the general public and all personnel that the matter is being given priority attention.
“Consequently, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered a thorough and detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. In line with his commitment to transparency and accountability,” adding that the outcome of the investigation would be made public as soon as investigations are concluded.
The statement affirmed that in consonance with COAS’s Command philosophy, welfare of troops remains his topmost priority, which is: “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.”
Buttressing it further, noted that the recently launched “Soldier First” Concept, which places the welfare of family members, well-being, dignity, and operational readiness of soldiers at the core of all Army policies and actions, is an affirmation of the force to raise the bar of welfare of troops.
However, she encouraged personnel to utilize established and appropriate military channels to present their concerns or complaints especially on welfare services.
Reiterating that “the use of unauthorised platforms to express grievances, particularly on operational matters, is highly discouraged and considered a breach of military ethics and discipline.
The Nigerian Army reassured all its personnel and the general public that it will continue to uphold the highest standards of leadership accountability, troops welfare and institutional integrity in fulfilment of its constitutional mandate.
Stressing that the well-being and effectiveness of the Nigerian soldier remain central to our ongoing transformation efforts and operational success.
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