The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed a probe into a viral video showing some soldiers reportedly complaining about the quality of food they were given.
Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, shared the development in a statement issued on Thursday, the 24th of July, 2025, in Abuja.
The footage, which first appeared on social media before being picked up by several news outlets, shows uniformed men displaying food items they claimed were supplied by military authorities.
Although the full context and authenticity of the video are still being verified, the Army Chief said the matter is being taken seriously.
He assured that the findings from the inquiry will be made available to the public in line with the army’s principles of openness and responsibility.
Reaffirming the force’s commitment to troop welfare, Oluyede highlighted the “Soldier First” initiative, which focuses on improving the living conditions, morale, and readiness of personnel and their families.
He called on military personnel to use official complaint channels, warning that posting grievances on social media or other unauthorised platforms breaches military ethics.
The army, he added, remains committed to maintaining professionalism and supporting its troops in line with constitutional duties.
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“Troops’ welfare remains topmost priority, in line with consolidating the transformation of the Nigerian army toward bequeathing a well-motivated and combat-ready force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.
“This philosophy is further reinforced in 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.
The Nigerian army encourages personnel to utilise established and appropriate military channels to present their concerns or complaints especially on welfare services.
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 reassures 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.
The well-being and effectiveness of the Nigerian soldier remains central to our ongoing transformation efforts and operational success.”