News
COAS increases troops feeding allowance from N1500 to N3000
Disappointed that troops of the Nigerian Army (NA) were still receiving N1,500 as their daily Ration Cash Allowance (RCA), the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has announced an upward review to N3,000 from March ending.
The COAS revealed this while addressing officers and soldiers of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lagos, at the 9th Brigade Parade Ground in Ikeja.
Oluyede is on a duty tour of project sites within the 81 Division’s area of responsibility.
Assuring the troops of his commitment to bettering their welfare, the COAS acknowledged that many serving Warrant Officers do not own a house they would retire to.
He said the service has introduced a housing scheme to address the accommodation needs of retiring officers, so that they would have a roof over their heads upon retirement.
“I am going to build on what my predecessors have done in improving the welfare of our personnel. I am sure you are all aware of our initiatives.
“In December, under the Nigerian Army Housing Scheme, we unveiled the first set of houses in Abuja. As I speak, we are beginning a new set in Ibadan.
“We have also secured land for another set in Jos. Additionally, we are developing housing units in Port Harcourt, Owerri, and Akwa Ibom states.
“This will ensure a widespread distribution of houses that soldiers can subscribe to. You will all agree with me that there is nowhere in Nigeria where you can buy a two- or three-bedroom house for as low as N8 million.
“This is a significant investment by the Army to ensure you have a comfortable post service life. In fact, we are accelerating the process so that more personnel can benefit. I want you to believe in this system because it is worthwhile,” he said.
Oluyede also said the service has introduced a-three per cent interest loan for soldiers in need, to enable them undertake projects of their choice.
“As for the loan scheme, it comes with just a 3% interest rate. If you go to banks, the lowest interest rate you will find is around 25%. We have deliberately kept our rate low to make it accessible. More funds will be injected into the scheme, so if you have pressing financial needs, you are encouraged to apply.
“However, I want to advise that if you don’t truly need it, or if you are not in urgent need, it’s best not to take it. It is easy to obtain but difficult to repay. That said, it is available to you, it is your right, and you can apply for it at any time. Once approved, you will receive it as quickly as possible,” he said.
On soldiers paying for their uniforms out of pocket, the COAS said it was concerning, revealing that distribution of about 100,000 kits monthly had commenced.
“We have allocated uniforms to smaller divisions. The next phase will cover the 82nd Division. Once we complete distribution there, we will proceed here and issue more uniforms. I can assure you that before the end of the year, you will likely receive another set.
“As soon as we acquire more, you will get them. However, I want to emphasize that obtaining uniforms is not an easy process,” Oluyede said.
With the various welfare packages to boost their morale, Oluyede urged personnel to remain committed to their duties, stressing that more was expected of them.
The chairman of Agatu Local Government Area in Benue State, James Melvin Ejeh, has given Fulani herdsmen a 48-hour notice to leave all agricultural lands.
This announcement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the council secretariat in Obagaji.
The meeting included traditional leaders, representatives from the Fulani community, youth leaders, and security personnel to discuss the increasing concerns regarding herders’ activities on farmland as the planting season nears.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Agatu LGA Chairman, Obochi Solomon, reported that Ejeh highlighted the importance of safeguarding agricultural activities in Agatu in light of the upcoming planting season.
He remarked that agriculture is essential to the local economy and that farmers should have unhindered access to their lands.
Ejeh also acknowledged the current peace in the region but reiterated that maintaining uninterrupted farming activities is of utmost importance.
“Our farmers must cultivate without disruption. We will do everything necessary to create a safe environment for them,” he said.
The statement further disclosed that during the meeting, the Ado of the Fulani requested a one-week extension to allow the herders to prepare for their relocation, a request that the council approved.
The CPS noted that the General Youth Chairman of Agatu LGA, Oloche Silas, committed on behalf of the Agatu youth to support the peaceful evacuation process and to avoid any acts of violence.
Security personnel, including members of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), were reported to have praised the peaceful resolution of the issue and promised to offer necessary assistance during the relocation.
Additionally, representing the Och’Agatu, Chief John Agidani, spoke at the meeting, commending the leadership of the Council Chairman and urging all parties to adhere to the agreement.
Five alleged kidnappers have reportedly died after a fierce gun battle with operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team.
The suspects were confirmed dead in a hospital they were rushed to for medical attention.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe who confirmed the development in a statement, stated that the incident occurred on 21st April 2025.
The police image maker disclosed that operatives of the CP-Special Assignment team, acting on intelligence relating to kidnapping in Ubuluku, Isseluku, Issele-Asagba, and environs by one Bello Abubakar and his gang members, stormed one of their hideouts in Agu-Amawbia forest, Anambra State.
SP Edafe pointed out that during the raid of the suspects hideout in the forest, the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle and one hundred and thirty-two rounds of live ammunition.
He further said the investigation was extended to another of their hideouts in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Utulu, where the said Bello Abubakar and his gang members were waiting in ambush.
According to the police image maker, the suspected kidnappers attacked the policemen in a fierce gun battle, but the team, who were aware of the battle ahead, reciprocated in like manner.
SP Edafe added that the manhunt for other injured fleeing suspects is ongoing.
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