N1m Gift: “You Insulted Our Soldiers”, Nigerians Tell CDS

By Akinwale Kasali

“Fund Raiser” launched for them

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has come under strong criticisms  from Nigerians for gifting a paltry sum of one million Naira to 26 Soldiers for their gallantry.

The 26 Soldiers launched an unprecedented  assault on a

notorious bandit kingpin, Halilu Sububu, who had made hell on earth for Nigerians in parts of the Country in the North.

During the assault  described as extremely delicate and dangerous, the gallant Soldiers killed the notorious and blood-thirsty Sububu.

His killing brought an end to his bloody exploits for years in the Region, especially in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger, Kaduna and some other Parts.

And it brought unprecedented joy to the high and mighty. President Bola Tinubu hailed the bravery of the Soldiers. So did the Military High Command and State Governors in the Region. Residents of the States trooped out in their thousands to celebrate his death as soon as they heard of his elimination on September 12 by the Soldiers.

In appreciation, the CDS, gifted the gallant Soldiers with a sum of one million Naira.

But that gift has sparked anger in not a few quarters. For one, with the value of the Naira at an all-time low, Nigerians are asking what the sum would do for 26 Soldiers who risked their lives to bring relative peace to a Region. Doing the math, they said each Soldier will get an amount less than N40, 000, a sum not capable of buying a 25kg bag of rice or even a bag of garri.

Second, they find it all the more insulting because the Military had, in 2022, placed a reward to the tune of five million Naira on

Sububu’s head, and renewed same in June, 2024. Their question: Why gift the Soldiers one million Naira? What happened to the five million Naira, or will that come later?

A security expert and fellow at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Bulama Bukarti,  described the one  million Naira cash gift as unacceptable. He urged President  Tinubu to offer national awards to the troops.

He equally implored Nigerians to donate some money to the 26 Soldiers in  appreciation for the operation.

Bukarti wrote on  his X handle,  (formerly Twitter):

“twenty-six gallant soldiers took down one of the most notorious bandit leaders, Halilu Sububu, in a daring operation.

”Despite their courage, the Chief of Defence Staff rewarded them with just N1 million, even though the Nigerian Army had placed a N5 million bounty on Sububu’s head in 2022.

That breaks down to only N38,000 per soldier.

“Think about it. These men, who face death every day, were given less than N40,000 for one of the most significant victories in this war. Many of these soldiers earn about N50,000 a month and have families to support, while the bandits they fight are earning millions in ransom payments from every kidnapping. But their reward doesn’t reflect the magnitude of their sacrifice.

“This is unacceptable. These gallant men and women deserve more than a token gesture. They deserve our full support. That’s why we are calling on the Presidency to honour these soldiers with a National Award and a financial reward that truly reflects the magnitude of their sacrifice. This will not only recognise their bravery but also motivate them and others to pursue the remaining bandit leaders and gangs with renewed zeal.”

Following this development, in appreciating the resilience, hardworking, dedication and passion for service of the Troops, the hosts of Fashin Baki, a weekly Facebook show, took it upon themselves to donate N1.8 million to the soldiers and launch a fundraiser to ensure they receive the recognition they truly deserve.

The hashtag #SupportOurSoldiers has been trending on social media.