Breaking: DHQ Issues Order to Ex-Soldiers Protesting at Finance Ministry
- The DHQ has directed that the former soldiers staging a protest at the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance to vacate the premises
- Markus Kanye, the spokesperson of the military, explained that the former military officers had earlier been educated about the situation
- Several retired soldiers who exited the Nigerian Army voluntarily in 2024 returned to the streets after they protested last month over their unpaid benefits
The Defence Headquarters has ordered the ex-military officers protesting at the headquarters of the Ministry of Finance in Abuja to immediately vacate the premises.
Earlier on Thursday, September 4, several retired soldiers who exited the Nigerian Army voluntarily in 2024 returned to the streets after they protested last month over their unpaid benefits.
Source: Twitter
Daily Trust reported that the protesters lamented that they have been neglected for too long, as they decried what they described as the government's failure.
But in his reaction to the demonstration, Markus Kanye, the director, defence media operations, disclosed that the former military officers had earlier been educated about the situation.
The military authority explained that the protest came as a result of the introduction of two separate salary charts for military officers in 2024, after the minimum wage was implemented.
Military speaks on protesting ex-soldiers
According to the DHQ spokesperson, between January 1 and July 28, a “pre-minimum wage chart” was put in place and from July 29, 2024, the "minimum wage chart" took effect and is still applicable.
He stressed that the actions of the aggrieved retired military officers are seriously affecting activities at the Ministry of Finance.
The defence headquarters then acknowledged that the protesting veterans have the right to protest, but urged the veterans to tread with caution and leave the Federal Ministry of Finance.
He disclosed that the message was directed by the military authority to be passed through the media and that veterans and Nigerians can be informed of what happened.
Source: Twitter
DHQ speaks on military operations in north
This came hours after the Defence Headquarters had disclosed that the military killed several terrorists across the country in the month of August. According to the forces, the armed forces arrested 85 suspects and rescued 66 kidnap victims in total.
According to the military, the Operation Hadin Kai troops in the North East eliminated hundreds of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, while 15 suspects, including a drug peddler, 13 collaborators and a gunrunner, while eight kidnapped victims were rescued.
The military sustained the same energy in the North West, where terrorists were neutralised in Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna states by the troops. Also, 23 suspects were arrested, and 24 kidnapped victims were rescued.
Army expected to recruit 13,000 personnel
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the chief of army staff, Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, said the Nigerian Army was expecting about 13,000 new personnel.
Oluyede said the Nigerian Army remained challenged in terms of operational efficiency and lacks the resources to provide accommodation for soldiers.
The Army boss made some demands when the Senate Committee on Army, led by its chairman, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, visited the Army Headquarters, Abuja.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
