A former Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche (rtd), has recommended a minimum monthly pay of N250,000 for Nigerian soldiers, stating that the current remuneration no longer reflects the country’s economic realities or the sacrifices demanded by military service.

This followed the recent statement by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Chris Musa (rtd), that the lowest soldier’s salary had been increased from N49,000 to N100,000.

However, the soldiers’ new N100,000 monthly minimum salary falls short of what their counterparts in several African countries earn. Findings show that a private in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) earns between R8,500 and R12,000 monthly (equivalent to about N715,607 and N1.01 million at an exchange rate of R1 to N84.19).

Among others, the gap is equally pronounced in East Africa, where estimates published by BusinessThisday in Kenya show that privates and corporals in the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) earn between KSh19,941 and KSh70,000 monthly (equivalent to about N212,908 and N747,383 at an exchange rate of KSh1 to N10.68).

Speaking on the remuneration for Nigerian soldiers during an interview on ARISE TV yesterday, Enenche stated that the proposed N250,000 salary should serve as a modest baseline to enable soldiers to meet their basic living expenses.

He argued that the recommendation was justified by the rising cost of living, noting that feeding, transportation and other essential expenses had become significantly more expensive.

He dismissed suggestions that government-provided accommodation, uniforms and weapons compensate for low pay, insisting that military personnel make unique sacrifices that set them apart from other public servants.

Enenche further stressed that soldiers always remain on duty and cannot pursue side businesses or farming to supplement their income because of the demands of military service.

The call also echoes concerns repeatedly raised by serving and retired military personnel over the declining purchasing power of soldiers’ salaries.

Security experts have long argued that improving troops’ welfare is critical to boosting morale, professionalism and operational effectiveness, particularly as Nigerian security forces continue to battle insurgency, banditry and other security threats across the country.

In a post on X yesterday, a counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, quoted military sources as saying that Yusuf, of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Training Facility (NAOTF), Lagos, with number 23NA/84/1939, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25 by troops of 7 Provost Group, led by the acting commander.

The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) had declared Yusuf wanted on July 23 over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements.

He was said to have been serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, but absconded from his unit on June 3, 2026.

Investigators further established that he was allegedly sheltered at Gomari Costain in Jere Local Council Area of Borno State by 25NA/89/12687 Private Baba Kamal Sale of the Corps of Intelligence, Dikwa.

According to reports, troops of the 7 Provost Group, acting on credible intelligence, placed the suspect under 24-hour surveillance before intercepting and arresting him at Jidari Bus Stop while he was allegedly attempting to flee to Cameroon.

The military said the suspect is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where he is undergoing further investigation into the alleged supply of military accoutrements to terrorist elements and the possible involvement of other collaborators.