Nigerian soldiers decry “unsafe” food, unpaid allowances, others

Soldiers deployed under Operation Fansan Yamma in Katsina and Zamfara States have raised alarming concerns over the appalling conditions they endure while fighting bandits in the region. Complaints of inedible food, unpaid allowances, unsafe drinking water, and lack of rotation have sparked deep frustration among the troops, with many considering quitting due to neglect by military authorities.

A soldier, speaking to SaharaReporters under anonymity, painted a grim picture of their daily struggles. “The food we are given is poisonous and disgusting—it’s not even fit for human consumption. There is no meat, no proper nutrition. Even Almajiri (street beggars) wouldn’t eat this happily,” he lamented.

He further revealed that their drinking water comes from a borehole dangerously close to toilets, raising serious contamination risks. The poor sanitation conditions, coupled with the extreme weather and harsh terrain of the operation zones, have left soldiers prone to illnesses, with little access to proper medical care.

In addition to the poor feeding conditions, the soldiers decried the failure of authorities to pay their operational allowances on time. Many claim they have gone months without receiving payments that were promised when they enlisted for the operation.

“We are risking our lives, yet we suffer. Poor feeding, no allowances paid on time. How can we keep fighting under these conditions?” another soldier questioned.

Beyond the financial struggles, many soldiers say they are trapped in an endless deployment cycle. When first assigned to the mission, they were told their tour of duty would last six months before rotation. However, some have now spent over two years and six months on the frontlines without seeing their families.

“We are told there are no funds for our redeployment, but somehow, there’s always money for other things,” one soldier remarked bitterly. The lack of rotation has led to severe mental and emotional strain, with many feeling abandoned and disillusioned.

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The growing dissatisfaction among troops raises concerns about Nigeria’s ability to sustain the fight against banditry. With low morale and increasing attrition, military effectiveness could be compromised, giving bandits an upper hand in their terror campaign across the Northwest.

Security analysts warn that continued neglect of frontline soldiers could jeopardize the success of anti-banditry operations, allowing criminal groups to exploit military weaknesses. “When troops feel abandoned and demoralized, their effectiveness in combat diminishes. This could have serious security implications,” a military expert noted.

Amid the escalating crisis, there are growing calls for urgent government intervention to improve the welfare of soldiers in the battlefield. Military families and advocacy groups have urged the Chief of Army Staff and the Ministry of Defence to investigate the soldiers’ grievances and ensure immediate improvements in food quality, water supply, medical care, and prompt payment of allowances.

Despite repeated complaints, military authorities have remained largely silent on the issue, further fueling frustration among soldiers. Many are now considering deserting their posts if conditions do not improve soon.

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With Nigeria’s security challenges worsening, the government faces mounting pressure to prioritize the well-being of its armed forces, ensuring that those on the frontlines are adequately supported in their fight to protect the nation.