OPHK Dismisses Misleading Video, Clarifies Allowance Issues
The Headquarters, Theatre Command, Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has dismissed as false and misleading a viral social media video alleging non-payment of allowances to troops and victimisation of a soldier within the theatre of operations.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, the command described the claims as a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and undermine the military command structure.
The command clarified that the money referenced in the video was not an operational allowance, stressing that all legitimate entitlements due to troops under Operation HADIN KAI have been fully paid up to May 2026 without any outstanding issues.
According to the statement, these entitlements include the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA), which is disbursed to units for the centralized feeding of troops, as well as Operational and Habit Allowances, both paid directly into personnel accounts.
The command explained that the issue raised in the video relates to an additional incentive for troops deployed to provide security at a critical national asset in Tuba. It noted that the allowance is only paid when funds are available.
The statement further revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) initially handled the payment before suspending it following the cessation of exploration activities in the area. Consequently, the Borno State Government stepped in to sustain the arrangement and is currently working towards integrating troops into the existing payment structure already covering the Police and Volunteer Forces.
It added that at the time the concerns were raised, funds for the supplementary allowance were still pending.
During an operational visit, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, Brigadier General Solomon Diwa, reportedly assured affected personnel that he would engage relevant authorities to facilitate payment once the funds were released.
Operation HADIN KAI also refuted allegations that the soldier involved was intimidated or punished, insisting that the Nigerian Army remains committed to the welfare and fair treatment of its personnel.
Preliminary investigations, according to the command, indicate that the video was not produced by the soldier but by “a mischievous content creator” known for circulating content sourced from disgruntled individuals.
The command described the act as unpatriotic and aimed at tarnishing the image of the Armed Forces.
It further warned that the dissemination of such information contravenes the Nigerian Armed Forces’ social media policy, which regulates the use of digital platforms by military personnel, especially on operational matters.
The statement noted that appropriate measures are in place to address any violations in line with existing regulations, while the Military High Command continues to strengthen mechanisms for the prompt payment of legitimate entitlements through collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Reaffirming its commitment to troop welfare, professionalism, discipline, and accountability, the Theatre Command urged media organisations and the public to avoid spreading unverified information capable of undermining troop morale and national security operations.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated its resolve to sustain efforts towards restoring peace, security, and economic stability across the North-East region.
