The Headquarters of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, has dismissed allegations of non-payment of allowances and extortion by soldiers deployed in Ogun State, describing the claims as false, malicious and misleading.

In a statement issued on January 2, 2026, the Brigade reacted to a viral video circulating on social media in which an individual identified as Abdul accused the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba; the Commanding Officer, 351 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Matthew; and the Brigade Operations Officer, Major Isaac Ezechukwu, of denying soldiers their allowances and condoning extortion of motorists along border routes.

Clarifying the allegations, the Brigade stated that soldiers deployed on company duties in Ogun State are operating under Operation MESA, a state-sponsored, multi-agency security initiative. It explained that before Brigadier General Nwamba assumed command in January 2025, personnel under Operation MESA received a monthly allowance of N45,000.

According to the statement, upon assuming office, the Brigade Commander approved an upward review of the allowance to N60,000 per soldier monthly, in line with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy on sound administration and troop welfare. The Brigade stressed that the revised allowance is being paid regularly by the state government as and when due.

Addressing claims of extortion, the Brigade categorically denied that troops deployed along border areas engage in the illegal collection of money from motorists. It reiterated the Nigerian Army’s zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline and extortion, noting that no credible complaint has been recorded against its personnel in this regard.

The statement further disclosed that, in compliance with directives from Defence and Army Headquarters, all unnecessary checkpoints along border routes have been removed, with only relevant security agencies permitted to conduct checks on vehicles using the roads.

Describing the allegations in the viral video as unfounded, the Brigade alleged that the author is a disgruntled retired airman with a history of attempting to discredit senior officers through propaganda and false narratives, even during his time in service. It said the current claims appear aimed at gaining social media attention and misleading the public.

The 35 Artillery Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency and the welfare of its personnel, assuring residents of Ogun State of continued collaboration with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property while upholding the highest standards of military ethics and discipline.

The statement was signed by Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade.