Sunday, June 14, 2026
FB X LI YT
Breaking
ABIOLA AND THE ANCIENT JOURNEY OF JUNE 12 – By Dare Babarinsa, CON Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Group Chairman of Oodua Investment Company Limited, speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference. A proud moment for Yoruba land as he addresses the gathering on regional unity and progress. Representative from the DAWN Commission speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference, addressing the gathering on regional integration, collaboration with Think Yoruba First, and the future of Yoruba land in a multipolar world. The event was held in partnership with the DAWN Commission. Otunba Deji Osibogun, Convener of Yoruba Koya Leadership and Training Foundation, speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference. He addressed the gathering on leadership development, grassroots mobilisation, and the urgent need to build the next generation of Yoruba leaders. Oba Francis Olusola Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon Kingdom, speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference. The royal father spoke on the critical role of traditional institutions in securing the nation and praised Think Yoruba First for their tireless work in advancing the cause of Yoruba land, declaring that the movement is the future of Yoruba progress and unity. “No One Is More Qualified Than Me” – Senator Dickson Declares Obi Not Doing NDC Any Favour Caribbean Nation Opens Doors: Grenada Grants Nigerians Visa-Free Access, Seeks Direct Flights and Investment Economic Invasion, Physical and Psychological Warfare on Yoruba Land
NEWS

‘GOC Eats with Soldiers,’ Army Denies Poor Feeding of Troops

January 11, 2024 • 3 min read

The Nigerian Army has debunked some online reports of poor feeding of troops, especially that of Operation Hadarin Daji fighting insurgents in Zamfara State.

This was contained in a statement signed by the spokesman of the 8 Division, Lt Colonel Ikechukwu Eze, and made available to newsmen in Sokoto State on Thursday.

An online newspaper (not PUNCH Online) had accused Army authorities of not paying the December salary and feeding allowance of the troops.

But in faulting the report, the Army’s statement reads: “The attention of Headquarters 8 Division has been drawn to a report being circulated online alleging that troops deployed in Zamfara State are being poorly fed and have not been paid their December 2023 allowances.

“It is pertinent to state that contrary to the claim of poor feeding of the troops, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, who is physically at the vanguard of on-going clearance operations in Zamfara State to ensure socio-economic activities continue to flourish in the state for the past two weeks, has been feeding from the same source as the troops, demonstrating his commitment to their well-being and morale.

“Furthermore, in his commitment to ensuring the inclusiveness and accessibility of his troops, he runs an open-door policy that encourages any officer or soldier to approach him with their concerns, ideas, and challenges regardless of rank or appointment, to ensure that they effectively discharge their responsibilities.

“Accordingly, it is baffling that this headquarters which has earnestly prioritised the welfare of its troops has been alleged of depriving them.

“However, while we acknowledge that there could be gaps in dispensing troops ration, they could be isolated cases that would have received prompt attention if brought to the knowledge of the authority through available channels of communication, as the GOC places a premium on the well-being of his troops.

“We must, however, clarify that troops’ operations allowance for December is still being processed and will be disbursed as soon as it is ready.”

The PUNCH reported in October 2023, that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, directed an investigation into complaints of poor feeding of troops on the frontline in the North-East region, fighting insurgency.

He assured the public and all personnel that a thorough investigation would be conducted to get to the root of the complaints.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, said the COAS took the allegations seriously, adding that the Army under his leadership placed a premium on the welfare of troops.

“It is crucial to point out to the general public that the welfare of troops under the present leadership of the NA takes a premium place amongst other important schemes and considerations as it is one of the vital pillars of the COAS Command Philosophy, which is to provide ‘sound administration’ to ensure a highly motivated force,” the statement read.