Delta Soldiers Seek Probe of Battalion Commander for Diverting Allowances

Soldiers of the Nigerian Army’s 90 Amphibious Battalion in Koko, Warri, Delta State, have raised concerns over welfare challenges, alleging that their Commanding Officer, Lt. Colonel M.M. Garba, diverts allowances paid by oil companies for security operations. According to the troops, companies such as Chevron, Seplat, Pan Ocean, Sharon Tank Farm, Optimal Tank Farm and Presco reportedly allocate between ₦350,000 and ₦400,000 monthly per soldier, but personnel receive only ₦40,000.

The soldiers also claimed that feeding arrangements remain inadequate. While some companies provide meals for deployed troops, others do not, leaving the battalion to issue raw food items. They said the supplies often fail to last a week, forcing many to spend part of their salaries on feeding, especially those deployed to remote locations for extended duty periods.

Beyond welfare issues, the personnel accused the unit of overstretching duty rotations. Deployments expected to last three months allegedly extend to seven or eight months, with some soldiers reportedly enduring harsh conditions without corresponding allowances or support.

The aggrieved troops have called on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to launch an investigation into their claims and ensure that Lt. Colonel Garba is relieved of his role. They also demanded full payment of all entitlements, including the allowances reportedly provided by the oil companies and a ₦90,000 feeding allowance to replace the insufficient food supplies.