The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, says the Federal Government has increased the minimum monthly salary of Nigerian soldiers from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000 as part of efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel.
The minister disclosed this in an interview ahead of the broadcast of NC Exclusive on News Central, while acknowledging that the country’s defence budget remains inadequate despite recent improvements.
According to him, the salary review reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare and morale of troops engaged in safeguarding the country.
On insecurity, the minister advocated the death penalty for kidnappers, arguing that stiffer punishment would serve as a deterrent against the growing wave of abductions across the country.
Speaking on the recent abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo State, Badaru alleged that the kidnappers were attempting to pressure the military into releasing some of their detained commanders.
He said the abductors had threatened to kill the children if security forces intensified rescue operations, describing the situation as unfortunate.
The minister also dismissed allegations of poor feeding in the military, insisting that claims circulating on social media were misleading.
He alleged that a military officer identified as Justice Crack deliberately removed meat and other items from soldiers’ meals to create the false impression that troops were being poorly fed.
Badaru maintained that the Federal Government remains committed to improving the welfare of military personnel while strengthening security operations across the country.
