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(FACT CHECK): Allegations against two commanding officers misleading — soldiers’ allowances paid, Oando feeds troops but hasn’t remitted RCA
(FACT CHECK): Allegations against two commanding officers misleading — soldiers’ allowances paid, Oando feeds troops but hasn’t remitted RCA
By: Zagazola Makama
A wave of social-media circulating this week that two commanding officers withheld soldiers’ entitlements and allowed troops to go unpaid is, on close examination, misleading and lacks important context, military sources and documentary material seen by Zagazola show.
This fact-check explains what is true, what is misleading, and what the public needs to know about (a) how soldiers’ entitlements are supposed to work, (b) the role of the private company Oando at some locations, (c) how the units covered pay shortfalls, and (d) the record of infrastructure and welfare projects that earned the officers formal commendations.

Findings by Zagazola Makama revealed that contrary to social media reports, troops deployed in Brass, Obama, and Oando Headquarters are receiving their operational allowances promptly. Investigations also confirmed that soldiers in those locations are fed three times daily by the oil companies hosting them (OANDO), in line with directives from the Army High Command.
Military authorities clarifies that RCA (Ration Cash Allowance): a cash payment to soldiers only when no organised feeding is provided. RCA is intended to allow troops to buy food where there is no centralised or company-provided feeding.
Central feeding / company feeding: where a company (or the unit) provides daily meals (typically three times per day), policy and practice are to stop paying RCA because the ration need is being met centrally. This is consistent with standing practice across deployment theatres.
“Oando, for instance, has not paid RCA for over four months but continues to provide daily meals for all deployed personnel, Zagazola report that the claim has also been confirmed by Oando Authorities. The decision, however, did not go well with the soldiers who feel they are being shortchanged.
Zagazola further findings revealed also that despite Oando’s failure to remit the RCA/related funds to the unit’s account, the unit continued to pay Operation allowances from its own resources so soldiers would not go unpaid.

A senior officer explained: Operational allowance is the entitlement of every soldier on deployment. That has been paid promptly, including the September allowance. The RCA is not applicable because Oando feeds the soldiers directly. This is not peculiar to the Niger Delta; even in the North-East theatre, once central feeding is provided, cash allowance is not given.”he said.
“This clarity is important because some mischievous individuals are trying to mislead the public into believing that allowances were withheld, when in fact the soldiers are well fed and paid all their entitlement,” one officer stressed.
He added that the viral reports alleging non-payment were “a sponsored gimmick designed to discredit the Commanding Officers, destabilize troops’ morale, and open the door for compromise.”
Far from short-changing their men, the Commanding Officers of 5 Battalion and 343 Artillery Regiment have spearheaded unprecedented welfare and infrastructural development in their formations, drawing commendations from both the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Lt Col I.A. Al-Makura, Commanding Officer, 343 Artillery Regiment, Restored electricity to Elele Barracks after almost four years of blackout, boosting morale, comfort, and operational readiness, reconstructed and tastefully furnished the Commanding Officer’s residence at Elele Barracks, build five blocks of classrooms at the NAOWA School, Elele Barracks, improving access to education for soldiers’ children as well as converted old classroom blocks into 20-man, two-bedroom flats, fully equipped with modern amenities to enhance soldiers’ living standards.
Lt Col I.G. Fashona, Commanding Officer, 5 Battalion, Sank solar-powered boreholes within soldiers’ quarters, providing clean water for families, reconstructed the Quarter Guard and RSM’s office at 5 Battalion, renovated several soldiers’ accommodation blocks, easing long-standing challenges of congestion and dilapidation, partnered with 343 Regiment to execute multiple projects within months of assumption of duty.
In a commendation letter, the GOC 6 Division hailed both officers for their “sacrificial leadership, selflessness, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of troops and their families.” He noted that their efforts “clearly demonstrate a deep understanding of and alignment with the COAS’ Command Philosophy which emphasizes leadership, operational efficiency, and welfare of personnel.”
During a recent visit to the Niger Delta, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Olufemi Oluyede personally commissioned several of the projects executed by the two officers. He lauded them for “proactive leadership, prudent resource management, and dedication to the well-being of troops.”
According to him, their achievements have not only improved soldiers’ welfare but also enhanced the operational readiness of formations tasked with safeguarding vital oil and gas infrastructure.
Insiders say the misinformation campaign is linked to vested interests seeking to disrupt the stability brought about by the leadership of the COs. The officers’ insistence on discipline, transparency, and proper feeding arrangements has been credited with boosting troops’ morale and effectiveness.
The improved operational climate, analysts note, is partly responsible for Nigeria’s recent increase in oil production from 1.3–1.4 million barrels per day to about 1.8 million barrels per day. The fake reports are nothing but a desperate attempt to undermine the progress in the Niger Delta,” another officer added.
(FACT CHECK): Allegations against two commanding officers misleading — soldiers’ allowances paid, Oando feeds troops but hasn’t remitted RCA
News
AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership
AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership
By Comrade Philip Ikodor
The Ashlee Momoh Foundation today joined the global community to commemorate the International Day of the African Child, reaffirming its commitment to the safety, education, and empowerment of children across the continent.
In a statement issued to the media, the Founder and Lead, Princess Ashlee Omonegbo Momoh, said the Foundation stands firmly behind efforts to help every African child reach their full potential.

“While we celebrate the vibrancy, brilliance, and resilience of African children, we must also confront the systemic barriers that still limit their growth,” Princess Momoh stated.
Key Challenges Facing the African Child Today:
- Education Gaps: Millions lack access to quality education, digital literacy, and inclusive learning environments.
- Socio-Economic Barriers: Pervasive poverty drives child labor and denies many children basic healthcare, nutrition, and stable housing.
- Security and Instability: Armed conflict and community violence continue to threaten the safety, mental health, and future of children in vulnerable and military-affected communities.
AMF’s Call to Action:
To truly empower the African child, stakeholders must shift from short-term relief to sustainable, localized investment. The Foundation calls on governments, civil society, and private sector partners to collaborate in:
- Building safer, child-friendly communities
- Subsidizing healthcare and expanding access to quality education, including digital skills
- Creating inclusive learning spaces that protect children from conflict and displacement
“Every child deserves a secure foundation to dream, learn, and lead. At the Ashlee Momoh Foundation, we remain committed to building that foundation — together,” Princess Momoh added.
The Ashlee Momoh Foundation is a Nigeria-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing child welfare, education, and empowerment across Africa through sustainable programs, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
AMF Celebrate the African Child: Building Foundations for Dreams, Learning, and Leadership
News
A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start
A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start
By: Lateef O. AREMU
Just few days into his tenure, Nigeria’s new Minister of Power, Engineer Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has already begun to illuminate the path towards a more stable and efficient electricity supply for the nation. Sworn into office on June 9, 2026, Minister Tegbe’s initial pronouncements and decisive actions reflect a profound understanding of the sector’s complexities, a testament to his distinguished professional background, intellectual brilliance and clear demonstration of the understanding of the task ahead. The minister unlike many before him did not over simplify the task at hand. He acknowledged the challenges and meticulous outlined the approaches towards finding solutions to the problem. He is not promising immediate miracle, but steady growth and measurable efforts towards achieving the set goals.

Minister Tegbe arrives at the helm of the Power Ministry with an impressive pedigree. A former Senior Partner and Head of Technology Advisory Services and Markets at KPMG Professional Services in Nigeria and across Africa, he has a proven track record of leading major reform initiatives, developing robust governance structures, and navigating intricate regulatory frameworks. His extensive experience in advisory services, coupled with his qualifications as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (FCA) and a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (FCIT), positions him uniquely to tackle the multifaceted challenges plaguing Nigeria’s power sector.
In his inaugural engagements, Minister Tegbe wasted no time in outlining a clear vision. He pledged to strengthen collaboration, improve governance, and enhance accountabilityacross the entire electricity value chain. This emphasis on systemic improvements, rather than solely technical fixes, directly mirrors his background in advisory and governance. His insight that
many of the sector’s challenges are rooted in governance and coordination rather than purely technical issues is a direct reflection of his strategic thinking honed at KPMG, where he led advisory services focused on governance and regulatory frameworks.
One of his immediate and commendable actions was to rally Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Agencies and Parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Power. During this crucial meeting, Minister Tegbe underscored the necessity of a unified and coordinated approach among all stakeholders to achieve the administration’s goals for the Power Sector. This call for synergy, urging stakeholders to operate as “one team with one mandate” is a pragmatic approach to a sector historically plagued by siloed operations and a lack of cohesive strategy. His ability to quickly identify and address this fundamental organizational challenge speaks volumes about his leadership and analytical prowess.
Furthermore, Minister Tegbe has already demonstrated a commitment to tangible results. He commended the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for its prompt response to a recent feeder outage, which was resolved within the timeframe he directed. This swift restoration of supply, which he noted was reported directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlights his dedication to urgency and service delivery, a quality that will undoubtedly instill confidence in both the public and sector operators.
Looking ahead, the Minister disclosed plans to introduce a performance-based incentive framework across the power sector to reward productivity, innovation, and excellence. This initiative is a clear demonstration of his understanding of motivational strategies and his commitment to fostering a culture of accountability and efficiency. This is the kind of principles often championed in top-tier consulting firms like KPMG. Such a framework is designed to drive continuous improvement and ensure that all stakeholders are aligned with the overarching objective of enhancing electricity supply.
In just a few short days, Engineer Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe has not only articulated a clear vision for Nigeria’s power sector but has also initiated concrete steps towards its realization. His blend of deep technical understanding, strategic leadership, and a commitment to good governance, all honed through years of high-level advisory work, positions him as a transformative figure.
As Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe assumes the role of Nigeria’s minister of power, Nigerians can look forward to a future where the brilliance of their Minister of Power translates into a consistently brighter and more reliable electricity supply.
With Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe at the helms of affairs in the power sector in Nigeria, Nigeria can rest asuured that “there is light at the end of the tunnel”
Lateef O. AREMU (Akano Gudugba)
S3 /706D
Odo-Ada Compound,
Oke-Eleta, Ibadan
08162994660
akanoola@gmail.com
A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Power Sector: Minister Tegbe’s Brilliant Start
News
NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks
NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a major financial blow to drug trafficking syndicates, raising over N6.1 billion from the auction of properties confiscated from convicted drug kingpins across the country.
The assets, which include a six-storey luxury hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, and three other high-value properties, were forfeited to the federal government following court orders obtained under Nigeria’s asset recovery laws.

The Victoria Island hotel accounted for the bulk of the proceeds, attracting a winning bid of N5.9 billion during a public auction conducted in Abuja on Monday. Altogether, four properties were successfully sold, while bids submitted for four others fell below the approved reserve prices and were consequently rejected.
The exercise marked one of the most significant asset recovery auctions conducted by the anti-narcotics agency in recent years and underscores a growing determination by authorities to target not only drug traffickers but also the wealth accumulated from illicit activities.
Announcing the results, the Head of Asset Recovery and Management Unit at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Tamarantare Francis Ali-Bozi, disclosed that Tope Ojo and Tunde Olonishakin Estate Firm emerged the successful bidder for the Victoria Island hotel.
Other successful bidders included FSS Limited, which secured a property in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, with an offer of N219.5 million; A-BNB Global Innovations Limited, which won a block of flats in Ejigbo, Lagos, for N104 million; and Fazeen Global Link Limited, which acquired a property in Akure, Ondo State, for N29.36 million.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd), declared that the auction represented more than a revenue-generating exercise, describing it as a strategic weapon in the fight against organised crime.
Represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shadrach Haruna, Marwa said the disposal of recovered assets sends a strong signal that individuals involved in the illicit drug trade would not be allowed to retain or benefit from the proceeds of their crimes.
He noted that public auctions of forfeited assets help reinforce public trust in the justice system by demonstrating transparency and accountability in the management of recovered properties.

According to him, the agency remains committed to tracking, recovering and disposing of criminal assets in a manner that serves the public interest while strengthening Nigeria’s asset recovery framework.
“We shall continue to pursue drug traffickers, dismantle criminal networks, recover the proceeds of crime and uphold the rule of law without fear or favour,” he stated.
Marwa also stressed that extensive safeguards were put in place to guarantee the integrity of the process. He said all assets were professionally valued by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, while auctioneers engaged for the exercise were screened and pre-qualified through procedures approved by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
The NDLEA boss added that representatives of anti-corruption agencies, civil society organisations, the media and members of the public were invited to witness the bid-opening exercise in order to ensure transparency and public confidence.
He maintained that the auction was conducted in strict compliance with the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022, the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and other relevant regulations.
Analysts say the successful sale of the forfeited properties highlights a growing shift in Nigeria’s anti-drug strategy from merely arresting traffickers to systematically dismantling the financial foundations of criminal enterprises.
For law enforcement authorities, the message is unmistakable: drug trafficking may generate vast fortunes, but those fortunes can ultimately be traced, seized and converted into public assets.
NDLEA Sells Drug Barons’ Assets for N6.1bn, Sends Warning to Criminal Networks
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