The Headquarters, 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, has dismissed allegations circulating on social media over the alleged non-payment of soldiers’ allowances and extortion of motorists by troops deployed in Ogun State, describing the claims as false and misleading.
The denial followed a viral video authored by an individual identified as Abdul, which accused the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba, the Commanding Officer of the 351 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Matthew, and the Brigade Operations Officer, Major Isaac Ezechukwu, of wrongdoing.
Addressing the allegations in a statement issued on January 2, 2026, the Brigade explained that soldiers deployed on company duties in the state are operating under Operation MESA, a state-sponsored, multi-agency security operation.
According to the statement, personnel deployed under the operation previously received a monthly allowance of ₦45,000 before Brigadier General Nwamba assumed command in January 2025. Upon assuming office, the Brigade Commander approved an upward review of the allowance to ₦60,000 per soldier monthly, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy on sound administration. The Brigade added that the allowance is being paid regularly by the state government.
Reacting to allegations of extortion along border routes, the Brigade stated that no credible complaint has ever been recorded against its troops and reiterated the Nigerian Army’s zero tolerance for indiscipline and extortion.
It further disclosed that, in compliance with directives from Defence and Army Headquarters, all unnecessary checkpoints along border routes have been dismantled, with only relevant security agencies permitted to conduct vehicle checks.
The Army described the allegations in the video as malicious and unfounded, alleging that the author is a disgruntled retired airman known for spreading false narratives against senior officers, both during and after his service.
The statement, signed by Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade, reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to professionalism, transparency and troop welfare, while pledging continued collaboration with other security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property in Ogun State.
