The Nigerian Army High Command has refuted allegations of corruption and the diversion of troops’ Ration Cash Allowance (RCA).
These allegations were reportedly made by troops deployed to provide security for Chinese nationals working on the Zungeru Hydro Electricity Dam Project in Niger State.
In a statement signed by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, the Nigerian Army dismissed the allegations.
The troops had claimed that they had not received their RCA payments for three months under the leadership of Major General Alabi and Brigadier General Jamiu Jimoh.
The statement emphasized that the welfare of troops is a top priority under the leadership of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, constituting a vital pillar of his Command Philosophy.
The Nigerian Army stated that, contrary to the insinuations, preliminary investigations revealed that troops deployed at the Chinese company in Niger State have been paid in installments by the Nigerian Army upon receipt of funds from the relevant institution.
It was clarified that the last installment payment of RCA by the institution for the deployed troops ended on February 28, 2023.
While the next installment payment is being processed, Army Headquarters has already covered the troops for the period from March 1 to June 30, 2023, to improve their operating conditions and keep them on par with deployments elsewhere.
The statement further disclosed that measures have been taken to provide daily meals for the troops to mitigate the impact of the installment mode of payment, which has been a routine practice.
It emphasized the Nigerian Army’s zero tolerance for financial misappropriation and its commitment to maintaining the morale of the troops.