The Nigerian Army has declared that the report purporting disquiet over poor equipment and welfare in the force was a failed attempt at institutional blackmail.

A statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, described the alleged plan by soldiers to protest in Abuja as ‘mischievous.’

It also said the working condition and welfare of serving officers have greatly improved under the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Faruk Yahaya.

The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to yet another mischievous report peddled by some online media, alleging that serving officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army are planning to storm Abuja, to protest over unpaid emoluments, and poor working conditions and other unsubstantiated allegations.

“Judging by the unprofessional and irresponsible manner in which the release was made, citing faceless persons, it could have been ignored. However, the weighty nature of the claims demands some clarification for the sake of well-meaning Nigerians.”