The Nigerian Army has categorically rejected social media allegations suggesting that the 90 Amphibious Battalion in Koko, Delta State, is embroiled in internal power struggles, welfare neglect, and financial misappropriation.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 6 Division, Lt Col Danjuma Danjuma, described the claims as “unsubstantiated and malicious falsehoods” designed to malign the battalion’s leadership.

The statement read: “The attention of Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, has been drawn to a publication circulating on social media. This publication alleges that 90 Battalion, Koko, is marred by internal power tussles, poor welfare, and financial exploitation.

“While the Division does not wish to engage with online agitators peddling these unfounded accusations in a bid to discredit the Battalion’s command, it is important to set the record straight.”

The controversy originated from a report on November 21, where anonymous soldiers alleged that the battalion’s Commanding Officer, Lt Col M.M. Garba, diverted allowances paid by oil companies such as Chevron and Seplat for security services provided at their facilities.

The soldiers claimed that companies remit between ₦350,000 and ₦400,000 monthly per soldier, but only ₦40,000 reaches personnel, with the remainder purportedly kept by the Commanding Officer.

They also alleged inadequate provisions, with raw rations lasting less than a week, compelling soldiers to use their salaries to supplement meals. One soldier was quoted as saying, “We work like elephants and eat like ants.”

Other accusations included unfair duty rotations extended beyond the usual three months to seven or eight months, allegedly favouring Muslim soldiers loyal to Lt Col Garba and sidelining others on religious grounds.

The Division dismissed these allegations as false, explaining that postings and deployments in the Nigerian Army are routine and conducted without any consideration of religion or loyalty.

The statement said, “The assertion that the Battalion assigns duties based on such factors is not only baseless but also a deliberate attempt at institutional and command defamation.”

However, the Division assured that any proven infractions would be duly investigated.

It reiterated the Army’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, welfare abuse, religiously biased postings, or any misconduct within its ranks.

The Division confirmed that Lt Col Garba has been performing his duties professionally within resource limits.

Furthermore, it highlighted the existence of established channels for personnel to report administrative grievances at all levels, including within battalions.

“Any personnel resorting to alternative methods should be regarded as attempting to tarnish the institution’s reputation and their claims disregarded.”

While urging the public to ignore the allegations, the Army affirmed that any substantiated reports, particularly regarding extortion, would be investigated thoroughly.

“The good people of the Niger Delta Region are reassured that the Division remains committed to ensuring their security and safety always,” the statement concluded.