Nigerian Army Refutes Viral Video, Confirms Full Payment of HADIN KAI Allowances

*TL;DR: The Nigerian Army says every legitimate allowance for Operation HADIN KAI soldiers is current as of May 2026 and calls a viral video alleging unpaid wages and intimidation false.

Context A video circulating on social media claimed that soldiers in the north‑east operation were being denied pay and that a featured soldier faced intimidation. The footage sparked online debate and prompted the Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), to issue a formal response.

Key Facts - The command’s media officer, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, stated that all regular allowances—ration cash, operational and habit allowances—have been paid in full, with no arrears recorded as of May 2026. - The dispute centres on an extra incentive for troops guarding a strategic asset in Tuba. That incentive is separate from standard allowances and depends on the availability of funds from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, later transferred to the Borno State Government. - The army rejected the allegation that the soldier in the video was intimidated or punished, calling it “entirely unfounded.” Preliminary checks indicated the video was produced by an external content creator, not the soldier. - The command warned that spreading unverified material breaches its social media policy and may trigger disciplinary action. - During a recent operational visit, Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, commander of 7 Division, assured troops that pending funds for the Tuba incentive would be released once funding is secured.

What It Means The army’s clarification aims to restore confidence in its welfare system and counter narratives that could erode morale. By separating the regular allowance structure from the ad‑hoc Tuba incentive, the command highlights funding constraints rather than systemic neglect. The response also underscores a broader push to police misinformation that could affect public perception of the counter‑insurgency effort.

Looking Ahead Watch for updates on the funding flow for the Tuba incentive and any further statements from the army regarding social‑media compliance among its personnel.