Poor Feeding Of Soldiers: Army Rattled, Orders Probe

The Nigerian Army has launched an investigation into allegations that troops fighting insurgents in the country’s northeast are not well-fed.

Sahara Reporters published a report last week where troops from the 154 Battalion in Ngamdu under the command of Lt. Col. A. A. Buba alleged that they had not been served good food.

The online newspaper had earlier in August published a report in which troops deployed by the 152 Battalion of the Nigerian Army for Operation Hadi Kai in the Northeast region lamented the alleged misuse of power against their rights by their Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel MZ Dikko.

The allegations are believed to have seriously rattled the Army Headquarters, prompting an immediate response from the Chief of Army Staff,  COAS, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who has now ordered an investigation into allegations of poor feeding of troops at the frontline in the North East Theatre of operations.

In a statement signed on Tuesday by army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachuckwu, the Army authority said it would get to the bottom of the issue.

During the probe, the Army said it would “examine the supply chain, the quality of food provided” for troops fighting Boko Haram and bandits in the region.

The welfare of the soldiers remains a priority to the COAS, the statement said.

The statement read in part: “The Nigerian Army wishes to assure the public and all NA personnel that a thorough investigation will be conducted to get to the bottom of these claims.

“An internal investigation has already been initiated to ascertain the truth behind these allegations. We will thoroughly examine the supply chain, the quality of food provided, and any other factors that may have contributed to this situation.

“The NA is committed to transparency and accountability, and will not condone any form of negligence or misconduct. If any culpability is detected, it will attract appropriate disciplinary action. Immediate corrective measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future will be taken.”

“There is a comprehensive system in place to ensure that troops receive adequate and balanced meals, especially those serving at the frontline and the meals are prepared under strict quality control measures.

“It is crucial to point out to the general public that the welfare of troops under the present leadership of the NA takes a premium place amongst other important schemes and considerations as it is one of the vital pillars of the COAS Command Philosophy which is to provide “Sound Administration” in order to ensure a highly motivated force.”