Nigerian Soldier Detained For Lamenting Poor Salary in Viral Video

Emmanuel EjioforFebruary 7, 20241 Mins read272

A screenshot of the soldier said to be detained

A Nigerian soldier has reportedly been detained following his public expression of frustration over not being able to afford transport to visit his family, due to the high cost of living and his meager salary of N50,000.

According to an exclusive report by SaharaReporters on February 6, the viral video led to his detention by the Nigerian Army. This move has since been criticised by netizens.

In a video that spread widely on X last week, the soldier had shared his disappointment in pidgin English, stressing the financial struggle and insufficient finances to visit home after a year of service in the “bush” in Maiduguri, Borno State.

EXCLUSIVE: Nigerian Army Locks Up Soldier Earning N50,000, Who Lamented Inability To Visit Family Over Alarming N70,000 Transport Fare | Sahara Reporters https://t.co/3kR1FPKqz7 pic.twitter.com/sL8PAYr4FY

— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) February 6, 2024

His lamentation sheds light on the issue of insufficient pay and challenging conditions faced by military personnel in Nigeria. It sparked a conversation on the need for better support and compensation for soldiers, especially those deployed in conflict zones like the North East.

Growing Concerns

Concerns over the welfare of Nigerian soldiers have been ongoing, with reports on issues ranging from poor feeding and salaries to inadequate medical care and equipment.

At the beginning of the month, a video surfaced on X showing a man in military uniform also complaining about the inadequate and late payment of salaries for soldiers.

In the video, which was shared by @chude_ on X, the unverified middle-aged soldier bemoaned that the current costs of things are not being considered in their salaries. He went further to say that the situation is “temptous” for soldiers.

Why will there not be insecurity when the security operatives can't even afford to feed themselves andre of their families? pic.twitter.com/SWS6RoVM5k

— Chude Nnamdi (@chude__) February 1, 2024

Considering the importance of the military in Nigeria, especially now that the country is facing security issues in parts of the country, there is an urgent need for the federal government to improve the military’s welfare and compensation. This will ensure the well-being and improved morale of those serving on the front lines. It will also keep the soldiers away from temptations and corruption.

Please believe 🙏 😭

My last basic salary was 61k after 11 years of service. https://t.co/Knnf21WW53

— A.K Cyber-Soja 💻👮 (@marshalwahlexyz) February 1, 2024