The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered an investigation into claims that frontline troops in the North East are not properly fed and provided for.
Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, made the disclosure in a statement on Tuesday.
The investigation comes on the heels of allegations, backlashes, and criticisms making the rounds on social media, which allege that troops of the Nigerian Army are inadequately provided for.
Reacting to the allegations, the Nigerian Army noted that the Army “has always prioritised the welfare of troops, including their nutrition. There is a comprehensive system in place to ensure that troops receive adequate and balanced meals, especially those serving at the frontline, and the meals are prepared under strict quality control measures.“
However, the Force, which acknowledged “that there may be isolated incidents where lapses occur,” noted that “an internal investigation has already been initiated to ascertain the truth behind these allegations.”
The statement from the Nigerian Army reads, “The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a recent claim of poor feeding of troops at the frontline in the North East Theatre of Operations. 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” in order to ensure a highly motivated force.
“The NA therefore takes these allegations very seriously, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed an immediate investigation into the complaints to ascertain their veracity and unravel the circumstances.
“The NA wishes to assure the public and all NA personnel that a thorough investigation will be conducted to get to the bottom of these claims.
“The NA has always prioritised the welfare of troops, including their nutrition. There is a comprehensive system in place to ensure that troops receive adequate and balanced meals, especially those serving at the frontline, and that the meals are prepared under strict quality control measures.
“We, however, acknowledge that there may be isolated incidents where lapses occur, and we are determined to squarely address them. An internal investigation has already been initiated to ascertain the truth behind these allegations. We will thoroughly examine the supply chain, the quality of food provided, and any other factors that may have contributed to this situation.
“The NA is committed to transparency and accountability and will not condone any form of negligence or misconduct. If any culpability is detected, it will attract appropriate disciplinary action.
“The NA remains resolute in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges. Consequently, we will ensure that our gallant soldiers are provided with the necessary support and care they require to carry out their duties effectively. We are committed to ensuring that our troops are well-fed, motivated, and equipped to defend our nation.”
