Unperturbed Gov. Fubara Joins APC Strategy Committee

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January 20, 2026

By Adesina Soyooye

A confident Rivers State Governor, on Monday, joined his All Progressives Congress Governor-colleagues at the inaugural meeting of the Party’s high-level Committee on Strategy, Conflict Resolution and Mobilisation.

His presence at the meeting belied the battle he is fighting at home, with an impeachment sword dangling over his head. However, being in the midst of his Colleagues is likely to boost his confidence, lift his spirit, and give him the chance to ask for their support in his battle with the Minister Nyesom Wike-backed members of the House of Assembly.

The meeting, was an assembly of high ranking APC leaders to tackle internal disputes, foster unity, and strengthen the party’s position ahead of future elections.

It is chaired by Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni.

Members of the committee include Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Abiodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta).

Others members are: Senator Adamu Aliero, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, and Secretary Muiz Banire (SAN).

President Bola Tinubu inaugurated the Committee in December 2025 in Lagos. Its mandate is to promote inclusive solutions through strategic engagements and wide consultations.

Chairman Governor Buni harped on the need for proactive measures to address threats to party unity, ensuring aggrieved members both old and new feel a renewed sense of belonging.

Governor Fubara’s involvement in this key APC structure emphasizes his sure-footedness in the ruling party to which he defected from the PDP in late 2025.

IBB University Student Hangs Self After Losing N600,000 To Sports Betting

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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January 20, 2026

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IBB University Student Hangs Self — Kelvin Danlami: Allegedly Killed self after Losing N600,000 to sports betting.

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Students Union Government, SUG, of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, University, Lapai IBBU, has expressed deep shock and grief over the sudden death of one of its members, Kelvin Danlami.

Danlami a 300-level Computer Science student was said to have committed suicide on Monday January 19,2026, inside his off-campus room after, allegedly, losing over N600,000 to sports betting.

According to witness accounts by witnesses, Danlami came under severe financial pressure arising from his decision to use a substantial portion of house rent collected on behalf of his landlord to engage in gambling.

Some fellow students who spoke on the unfortunate incident informed that after losing about N600,000 to betting ,the deceased came under pressure to remit to his landlord the rent he had earlier collected from students residing in an off-campus lodge, a development that forced him into hanging himself in his room.

The Landlord who is residing outside Niger State,was said to have appointed the late Danlami as the caretaker of his hostel.

But rather than remitting the landlord’s money immediately after collecting same from student-lodgers, Danlami allegedly paid in only N100,000 with a promise to deliver the balance as soon as there was an improvement in the network system of his bankers.

However, he was believed to have become disappointed and forlorn after he could not hit the expected jackpot from his betting.

“Before his death, he (Danlami) paid the sum of N100,000 into the account of the landlord , with a promise to pay the balance as soon as the network of a virtual bank he was operating was restored.

“He was, as of then, having N570,000 before transferring the N100,000 into the Landlord’s account”, one of the students noted.

The SUG, in a statement issued by the Secretary General, Comrade Aliyu Abubakar, while extending heartfelt condolences to the family, relations, friends and the entire University community, described the development as very unfortunate and tragic.

“On behalf of the entire students of IBB University, Lapai, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family ,relatives , friends, the Department of Computer Science and all students of the University over this great and painful loss.

“We pray that Almighty God grants his family the strength, comfort and fortitude to bear this moment of grief” ,Abubakar stated

Unity Bank Repositions E-business With Enhanced Unifi Mobile App

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James Orji

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January 20, 2026

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Big lender, Unity Bank Plc, has launched an upgraded version of its mobile banking platform, Unifi, as part of ongoing efforts to improve customer experience on the Bank’s digital Banking platform and reinforce its proposition in ebusiness.

The latest update, Unifi version 2.3, introduces a suite of improved features designed to enhance usability, security, and convenience for customers. Key upgrades include enhanced security protocols, expanded quick-action functionalities, improved bill payment options, and an updated Nigeria Quick Response (NQR) feature to support faster and more secure QR code transactions.

A key aspect of the rollout builds on the Bank’s continued investment in digital and security infrastructure, aimed at safeguarding customer data, ensuring secure payments and enabling safe, real-time transactions across channels.

Speaking on the upgrade, Adenike Abimbola, Divisional Head, Retail, SME, Digital Banking & Fintech Partnerships at Unity Bank, said the improvements are built on the back of continuous interrogation of the platform to be more responsive to customer feedbacks which are being received overtime in our interactions and engagements.

“Digital banking has become an integral part of everyday life, particularly for retail customers who expect speed, dependability, convenience, and security as standard. With the latest upgrade to Unifi, we are responding directly to these expectations by enhancing functionality, strengthening security, and simplifying key payment and transaction journeys. Our goal is to ensure that customers can carry out their banking activities seamlessly, confidently, and without friction, anytime and anywhere.”

She added that the Bank remains committed to continuous improvement of its digital channels in line with evolving customer needs and emerging industry trends.

“As mobile banking increasingly defines how people interact with financial services, Unifi is central to our strategy of delivering intuitive, reliable, and inclusive digital solutions. We will continue to invest in technology partnerships and platform enhancements that support financial inclusion, drive adoption, and improve overall customer experience.”

Originally introduced as part of Unity Bank’s strategic push to expand its retail footprint, particularly among young and digitally savvy customers, Unifi has grown into a core engine of the Bank’s retail banking expansion. The platform plays a critical role in driving customer acquisition, deepening engagement, and reinforcing Unity Bank’s broader digital transformation agenda.

The Unifi mobile app is available for download on Android and iOS devices, offering customers access to a wide range of services, including transfers, bill payments, airtime purchases, and QR-enabled transactions.

2027: Obasanjo, Babagida Meet; Obi/ Kwakwanso Ticket In The Mix

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James Orji

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January 20, 2026

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Two former Nigerian Heads of State, Olusegun Obasanjo and Gen Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) met on Monday amidst suggestions that the meeting was not unconnected with the 2027 election, and who becomes Nigeria’s next President.

According to sources, the two former leaders met at the instance of former President Obasanjo who visited Gen Babangida at his Minna Hill Top home.

This is not the first time the two former Nigerian presidents have consulted over the future of the country, but Monday’s meeting drew attention from not a few Nigerians following reports that Obasanjo is interested in who becomes president in 2027.

Sources close to Obasanjo informed that the former leader is trying to form a formidable team of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwakwanso as presidential and vice presidential candidates to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Both Obi and Kwakwanso, a former governor of Kano state, who also served under Obasanjo as Minister of Defence, have showed interest in the 2027 presidential race.

While Obi, a former governor of Anambra state has officially joined the new coalition party, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to advance his presidential aspiration, Kwakwanso has yet to declare for the party amid speculation that he’s eyeing the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Sources however informed the magazine that former President Obasanjo has been putting pressure on the former minister to dump his current party the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP for the ADC to run with Obi against Tinubu.

Reliable sources also informed the magazine that Obasanjo’s visit to the former military dictator was to get his buy-in over the Obi/ Kwakwanso joint presidential ticket.

During the 2023 presidential election, Obasanjo, the magazine recalls was a major backer of Obi’s presidential bid against Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, his former vice president.

Obasanjo is said to be wary of Abubakar’s presidential bid in 2027, and has told very close political associates and former vice president that he’s not willing to back him for the renewed bid for Nigeria’s number one citizen.

While pressure is being mounted on Abubakar to step down for Obi in the ADC, the former number two citizen in the country insist that he’s going for the sole ticket of the party amidst believe that he has a better chance of defeating other presidential hopeful in the emerging opposition party.

One of his associates, Dele Momodu noted last week that Abubakar was not prepared to step down for any aspirants in ADC. The journalist cum politician stated on Channels Television that none of the ADC Presidential hopeful has the war chest and popularity of the former vice president.

Also, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC National Publicity Secretary said on Monday that all the aspirants will be allowed to vie for the party’s sole ticket, saying if Abubakar gets it, so be it.

Gov Sani, CAN Meet As Police Deny Abduction Of 170 Christian Worshippers

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James Orji

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January 20, 2026

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The Christian Association of Nigeria and Kaduna state government have clashed over the reported abduction of over 170 Christian worshippers in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state two days ago.

On Sunday, bandits were reported to have attacked three churches in the state, ECWA, Cherubim and Seraphim Church 1 and 2 abducting over 170 worshippers including women, elderly and youths. The criminals were said to have released nine abductees believe to be the elders among them, while others were marched into the bush.

According to the report, the bandits stormed the three churches while services were ongoing, locked the gate after which the ordered the worshippers to march in a single file as they awere marched away.

Confirming the incident, CAN’s chairperson in the Kajuru LGA, Enoch Kaura, informed journalists that bandits abducted about 163 worshippers during a church service in the LGA on Sunday

The CAN in North Central and Abuja have also confirmed the abduction, saying they are working with the security agencies to secure the release of the abducted worshippers.

The LGA CAN chairperson detailed what happened: “The attack occurred while members were in the middle of the service. The bandits arrived in large numbers, blocked the church entrance, and forced the congregation into the bush,” Mr Kaura explained.

“It has been confirmed that 172 people were abducted, including men, women, and children. With nine individuals having escaped, 163 people remain in captivity.”

But in a swift reaction, the state government said those pudding the report were just trying to cause confusion in the state, saying no worshippers was kidnapped.

The state Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Sule Sha said

told journalists that the reported abduction was completely false, saying the state government is currently working with CAN and community leaders over the incident.

‘’They found out that what was pushed out to the public sphere was completely false,” he said.

Also speaking over the alleged abduction, the chairman of the LGA, Dauda Madaki, said there was nothing like it, stating that officials of the Council and security agencies swung into a toon as soon as they learnt that worshippers were being kidnapped by the bandits.

Madaki: “When he heard the rumour of the attack, we mobilised the police and other security forces to the area, Kurmin Wali, but found out that there was no attack.

“We visited the church where the so-called kidnapping took place. There was no evidence of the attack. I asked the village head, Mai Dan Zaria, and he said that there was no such attack.

“I also called the youth leader of the area, Bernard Bona, who was interviewed by the pressmen who accompanied me, and he said that no such thing happened.

‘’So, I challenge anyone to name the people that were kidnapped, and I have been waiting for this list, and no one has come forward with a name.

‘’I believe that the rumour of the kidnap is being sponsored by people who are not happy with the relative peace that Kajuru has been enjoying since the coming of this administration,’’ the council chair said.

Also, the Nigerian Police said on Monday that the reported abduction was false, waiting those it accused of trying to cause chaos in the state that the security agencies will not hesitate to punish them.

On Monday, the state governor Uba Sani met with CAN officials in the state to brainstorm over the incident.

Meanwhile, the major opposition party in the country, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has condemned the incident, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act fast to rescue the abductee, and ensure that the problem of kidnapping in the country is nipped in the bud.

Activist Onajobi Goes Into Hiding As Police Files Six- Count Charge Against Her

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Ayodele Oni

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January 20, 2026

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By Ayodele Oni

Ogun state government has moved to clear Governor Dapo Abiodun ‘s name over allegations levelled against him by an Activist, Adetoun Onajobi, popularly known as Just Adetoun.

The allegation stems from online statements made by Just Adetoun following a road accident involving boxer Anthony Joshua in Ogun State last December.

The state government, in a statement issued by the state’s Attorney General, Oluwasina Ogungbade, it was confirmed that the police have filed a six-count charge against the activist. The legal action follows a formal complaint lodged by the state government against her.

The Attorney General explained that the activist made serious allegations against the state’s emergency services and Governor Dapo Abiodun.

Government’s account, stated that the activist leveled a specific personal accusation.

The statement claims “She accused the Governor of Ogun State of being in Ghana partying and impregnating women instead of attending to the welfare of the boxer.”

The government described these claims as false, malicious, and a public safety risk. Following her videos, the state petitioned the police, alleging violations of the Cybercrimes Act.

The police invited Just Adetoun for questioning in early January, but she failed to appear. While evading the invitation, she released another video claiming she was too ill to report.

Her legal representative later submitted a medical report to the police to support her illness claim. However, an investigation concluded the document was fraudulent.

The doctor who issued it reportedly confessed to fabricating the report without ever meeting or examining the activist. He has been arrested, charged, and remanded.

The Attorney General stated that Just Adetoun remains at large and questioned her credibility, noting she has not presented the evidence she claimed to possess.

According to a report by the Punch on Tuesday, the Ogun State Government has announced that social welfare activist Adetoun Onajobi, known as Just Adetoun, has gone into hiding.

Authorities also stated that a medical doctor who allegedly provided her with a falsified medical report has been remanded in prison custody.

Government account said Adetoun had released videos alleging that there was no emergency ambulance service in the state and accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of neglecting public welfare.

“She falsely claimed that there was no ambulance service anywhere in Ogun State and accused the Governor of Ogun State of being in Ghana partying and impregnating women instead of attending to the welfare of the boxer,” the statement read.

It denied the accusations, saying, “These claims are false, malicious, and misleading, and pose a serious public safety risk by misinforming residents about available healthcare resources.

“Ogun State has multiple state-owned and state-supported ambulance services.”

The statement stated further: “Despite boasting that she had evidence to substantiate her claims, she failed to honour the police invitation and went into hiding.

“Even while in hiding, she released another video claiming she was ill and unable to honour the police invitation.”

The statement also referenced an alleged past incident where she bullied a woman in Lagos and shared images of the woman’s child online without consent.

Fmr. Buhari Minister, Nwajiuba, Dumps APC For ADC, Declares Interest In Presidency

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Adesina Soyooye

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January 20, 2026

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By Adesina Soyooye

Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, a former Minister of State, for Education under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, has formally declared his intention to run for the presidency in the 2027 general elections.

In declaring his interest, Nwajiuba dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

A Lawyer by training, Nwajiuba is also a businessman and entrepreneur. He was, for two terms, a member of the House of Representatives and had, also, sought to occupy the Governorship seat of his home State, Imo.

It is not the first time Nwajiuba will seek to occupy the seat of Nigeria’s top office. He had, in 2023, resigned from his office as Minister of State for Education to aspire to the office of the President alongside now President Bola Tinubu, Rotimi Amaechi and others.

He performed very poorly, like others, and since then, had given the APC a lot of space and became, anonymous, almost, in political circles.

His latest move, he said,

was triggered by what he said is “a desire to usher in a new era of leadership based strictly on competence.”

Nwajiuba, who was also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), took a look at the state of the Education sector in Nigeria, and noted that its “current state demands a leader with a profound grasp of policy and the practical experience to implement meaningful change.”

While addressing the Press and his supporters, Nwajiuba criticized “the reliance on political slogans that lack real-world impact.

“Nigeria’s challenges cannot be solved by slogans or emotional speeches alone. What we need is leadership anchored on clear policies, competence, and the ability to negotiate solutions that work for the people.

“My time in the legislature, the executive, and national institutions has prepared me for the task of leading a complex country like Nigeria.”

In defecting to the ADC, Nwajiuba has only followed the footsteps of a number of prominent politicians from the South-east who, at a recent event in Enugu, defected to the ADC, along with their supporters and structures.

He has, also, become the second Igbo son to declare interest in running for the office of the President in 2027. Peter Obi, a founding member of the ADC and the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, was the first to declare interest in the top job against 2027.

Gilbert Chagoury Awarded GCON By President Tinubu… Otedola Hails Honour As Deserved

By

Adesina Soyooye

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January 20, 2026

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Gilbert Chagoury and President Bola Tinubu

By Adesina Soyooye

Internationally renowned businessman, serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, Gilbert Chagoury, has been conferred with Nigeria’s second highest National Honour – Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON- by President Bola Tinubu.

In a letter to the effect, President Tinubu said Chagoury was awarded GCON because of his contributions to the country.

He wrote: “In exercise of the powers vested in me under section 1(4) of the National Honours Act, 1, BOLA AHMED TINUBU, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in recognition of your outstanding virtues and in appreciation of your services to our country, Nigeria, HEREBY award to you to have, and enjoy title, dignity and all the privileges of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) GIVEN at Abuja under my Hand and the Public Seal of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

In a swift reaction to the award to Chagoury, billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, described it as well-deserved, and praised Chagoury’s legacy in business and national development.

He wrote: “Your life is a masterclass in vision, discipline, and steady excellence.”

Otedola noted Chagoury’s contributions to major real estate and infrastructure projects, and said that they have created jobs and left a lasting imprint on Nigeria’s urban landscape.

“From Banana Island to Eko Atlantic City, your work speaks in landmarks, jobs, and lasting impact, and your leadership has inspired generations of Nigerians to think bigger and act bolder.

“This honour is truly well deserved. I celebrate you today and always.”

Chagoury is a Lebanese- Nigerian, born to Lebanese immigrant parents in Kano.

He co-founded the Chagoury Group with his younger brother Ronald Chagoury, in 1991. The Group is an industrial conglomerate with interests in construction, real estate and property development, flour mills, water bottling (Ragolis) and purification, glass manufacturing, insurance, hotels, furniture manufacturing, telecommunications, IT, catering and international financing. Their highly rated construction company, HITECH, is handling the multi-billion Naira Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Trial Of Dieziani, Fmr. Nigeria’s, Petroleum Minister, Begins In UK As She Appear In Court

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Adesina Soyooye

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January 20, 2026

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Diezani Alison-Madueke appears in Uk Court — Diezani Alison-Madueke.

By Adesina Soyooye

A former Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister, Dieziani Alison-Madueke, on Monday, January 19, appeared in a United Kingdom Court.

Her appearance is in preparation of her trial on alkeged corruption charges.

A woman of a couple of firsts, Alison-Madueke was the first female Executive Director of Shell Petroleum, the first woman to head the Petroleum Ministry in Nigeria, and the first woman to occupy the Presidency of the Organisation of Petroleum Ministry, OPEC.

The reason for which he appeared in Court in the UK on Monday is for a full trial on charges of alleged bribery in connection with her tenure as Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister.

Initial proceedings which include technical matters and jury selection, began this week, with her attendance according to an AFP report.

Alison-Madueke, 65, an estranged wife of a former Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Alison Madueke, was first arrested in London in 2015, a few months after her tenure as Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister. She has been on bail since then.

She faces six charges all of which she has denied.

The UK National Crime Agency formally charged Alison-Madueke in 2023 with offences which boarder on alleged acceptance of bribes between 2011 to 2015 when he was Nigeria’s Petroleum Minister.

Said the NCA: “We suspect Diezani Alison-Madueke abused her power in Nigeria and accepted financial rewards for awarding multi-million-pound contracts.”

Her indictment states that “Alison-Madueke benefitted from at least £100,000 ($134,000) in cash, chauffeur-driven cars, flights on private jets and the use of multiple London properties.”

Detailed in the charges against her are also “financial rewards including furniture, renovation work and staff for the properties, payment of private school fees and gifts from top designer shops such as Louis Vuitton.”

The trial will begin on Monday, January 26 and is scheduled to last between 10 to 12 weeks.

She is being prosecuted alongside two others on bribery charges. They are Doye Agama, (allegedly her brother) who appeared in court via video link on Monday, and Olatimbo Ayinde, who was present.

She was first appointed Nigeria’s Minister for Solid Minerals before she was moved to the Petroleum Ministry both under the President Goodluck Jonathan Government. She has had a running battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, since she left office.

A native of Bayelsa State, her marriage to Admiral Alison Madueke, a native of Enugu State, produced a son.

Army Denies Reports Of Intending Mutiny By Soldiers

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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January 19, 2026

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The authorities of the Nigerian Army on Monday January 19,2026 dismissed insinuations suggesting a possible plan of a mutiny amongst the rank and file over alleged poor welfare packages.

The Source reports that a section of the media, particularly the social media, has been awash with reports alleging that serving soldiers are involved in a plan to carry out mutiny owing to poor salaries, allowances and general welfare conditions.

But in a statement from its spokesperson, Col. Appolonia Anele, the Army described the claims as a deliberate attempt to sensationalize issues with the intent to misinform and mislead the unsuspecting public, as well as undermine national security.

Col Anele, while debunking fears of any possible threat of distabilizing the system reaffirmed the unwavering loyalty and commitment of officers and men of the military to the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria and the civil authorities.

According to her, there has never been any known reports or developments suggesting the possibility of mutiny at any time insisting that mutiny remains a serious offence within the military.

She maintained that mutiny under military law is an aberration, a development considered as being entirely inconsistent with the core and cherished values of discipline, loyalty and professionalims.

The Army spokesperson emphasized that the conduct and general mindset of the officers and men of the Nigerian Army are totally opposed to any acts of mutiny as they are trained to explore well established internal conflict resolution mechanisms, rather than a resort to unprofessional conducts.

The Army authorities further noted that promotion-related increments are but a fraction of the total remuneration package of the system, and, therefore, not to be taken as representing the total income of personnel.

Contrary to allegations of neglect of personnel, the Army authorities maintained that they have been consistently implementing structured welfare packages ,in concert with the Armed Forces of Nigeria ,and other relevant Government bodies.

Such welfare reforms the statement added, include periodic upward review of salaries, enhanced operational allowances, improved accommodation, upgraded medical services, and comprehensive insurance packages both for personnel and their families.

“Military remuneration consists of consolidated salaries, ranked-based allowances, operational allowances, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements which vary depending on deployment, qualifications and responsibilities.

“Contrary to allegations of neglect, the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently shown commitment to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces, especially in the face of evolving security challenges.

“Therefore, attempts to portray the institution as unstable or lawless are irresponsible, and pose a threat to national security”, the Army authorities stated .