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(FACT CHECK): Allegations against two commanding officers misleading — soldiers’ allowances paid, Oando feeds troops but hasn’t remitted RCA

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(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

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National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure

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National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu's Second Tenure

National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure

By Comrade Philip Ikodor

The National Progressive Hub (NPH), a leading support group for the All Progressives Congress (APC), has called on all Nigerians to rally behind President Ahmed Bola Tinubu GCFR for a successful second term in office come 2027.

In a statement, National Coordinator/Convener, Honorable Bukie Okangbe, praised the APC administration for its efforts towards nation-building and economic stability. Okangbe highlighted the NPH’s previous support for President Tinubu, including a National Security and Endorsement event in 2022 that contributed to the party’s successful general election outcome.

The NPH is gearing up for a Grand Endorsement event for President Tinubu’s second term, scheduled to hold on February 26th at the Musa Yaradua Center, CBD, Abuja. The event will also feature the inauguration of 36 state coordinators, including the FCT, and address critical national issues.

“We invite everyone to join us at this significant event,” Okangbe said. “Your presence will be a testament to our collective commitment to Nigeria’s progress and the APC’s vision for a better future.”

The event promises to be a landmark occasion, showcasing the NPH’s dedication to the APC and President Tinubu’s leadership.

National Progressive Hub (NPH) Urges Support for President Tinubu’s Second Tenure

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Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak

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Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, on Sunday, distributed farm tools to farmers and commissioned a new high Islamic school in Damasak, headquarters of Mobbar Local Government Area.

Governor Zulum was accompanied by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

Zulum’s agricultural intervention aimed to boost dry-season farming and enhance the livelihoods of returnees who are gradually resettling in the community.

Zulum said, “From the beginning of this administration, dry season irrigation farming was adopted as a strategic component of the state’s food security framework. Recognising the limitations of rain-fed agriculture in the context of climate variability, insecurity, and population growth, the government implemented a dual-season production strategy to ensure year-round farming.”

He added, “Today’s distribution of 1,000 solar-powered water pumps and 200 complete tubewell drilling kits build upon earlier targeted interventions in Damasak and surrounding communities, including irrigation infrastructure development, mechanisation services, farmer-training, cooperative support, and security stabilisation measures.”

He stated, “The state remains aligned with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit and continues collaboration with relevant Federal Ministries and development partners to strengthen agricultural productivity, processing, and market integration.”

At the commissioning of the newly constructed high Islamic school, Zulum noted, “the commissioning of the Higher Islamic College, Damasak, represents a major milestone in the state government’s policy to expand and modernise sangaya education across Borno State. This intervention reflects our commitment to building an inclusive education system that integrates spiritual development with academic and vocational advancement.”

“All Higher Islamic Colleges operate under the approved curriculum of the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), enabling students to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and pursue further education where desired.”

In his remarks, the commissioner of education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, underscores Governor Zulum’s giant strides, stating, “this institution forms part of a wider education recovery and expansion programme implemented across Borno State. Under the leadership of His Excellency,”

“The state has constructed One Hundred and Four (104) Mega Schools, rehabilitated and remodelled One Thousand and Eighty-Seven (1,087) classrooms, executed major works in forty (40) additional schools, restored thirty (30) flood-affected schools, and delivered numerous classroom projects through the State Universal Basic Education Board.”

“These strategic investments have yielded measurable progress. The number of out-of-school children has declined significantly from approximately 2.2 million to fewer than Eight Hundred Thousand (800,000). Current enrolment for the 2025 academic year stands at One Million Four Hundred and Eighteen thousand two hundred and seventy-nine (1,418,279) learners, with further increases expected as Women Leader, Hajiya Fati Alkali Kakenna.

Borno: Zulum distributes farm tools, commissions school in Damasak

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Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks

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Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops have thwarted a coordinated multi-pronged terrorist assault on positions in Kukawa after a prolonged overnight battle supported by air strikes.

Military sources said the attackers, mounted on gun trucks, motorcycles and on foot, launched the assault from multiple directions late on Feb. 20.

Troops mounted a determined defence, engaging the insurgents in intense combat that lasted into the early hours of Feb. 21 before forcing them to withdraw while dragging away casualties.

Air strikes later destroyed one gun truck and several motorcycles carrying fleeing fighters, neutralising additional terrorists.

During follow-up exploitation, troops recovered 13 AK-47 rifles, 16 loaded magazines, three handheld radios, and other items believed to have been used by the attackers, as well as evidence of casualties evacuated by the group.

One soldier was killed during the encounter, while some equipment was damaged by rocket fire. Injured personnel were evacuated and are reported to be in stable condition.

Military authorities said the coordinated operations demonstrated sustained pressure on insurgent elements and continued efforts to degrade their combat capability across the theatre.

Air-ground offensive foils Kukawa attack, destroys gun trucks

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