Tinubu meets security chiefs amid troops’ salary backlash
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday convened a high level security meeting with military commanders, intelligence chiefs and top security advisers at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, amid growing backlash over the disclosure that Nigerian soldiers now earn a minimum monthly salary of N100,000.
The meeting came as retired and serving military personnel criticised the salary as grossly inadequate, accusing the Federal Government of failing to implement the salary increment the President promised nearly four months ago.
The closed door meeting, which lasted more than two hours, was attended by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Isa; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; Director General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi; Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the President’s Special Adviser on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd.), among other security officials.
The controversy followed comments by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, who disclosed during an interview with News Central that the Federal Government had reviewed soldiers’ welfare, increasing the minimum monthly salary from N49,000 to N100,000.
Responding to questions on whether the defence budget was adequate, Musa admitted funding remained insufficient but maintained that the government had made significant improvements in troop welfare.
“When they started, a soldier was collecting N49,000 monthly. We tried so hard, now he’s collecting N100,000,” he said.
The minister also advocated the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, arguing that stiffer punishment was necessary to curb the growing wave of abductions across the country.
Commenting on the recent abduction of pupils in Oyo State, Musa alleged that the kidnappers were attempting to force the military to release some of their detained commanders.
“They are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us, and they feel taking these children and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander,” he said, adding that the abductors had threatened to kill the victims if security forces intensified rescue efforts.
Musa also dismissed allegations of poor feeding within the military, insisting that claims circulating on social media were misleading.
However, the minister’s disclosure sparked criticism from retired soldiers and serving personnel, who argued that the amount was insufficient to meet current economic realities.
A retired soldier, Abdul Isiak, described the salary as inadequate, saying it could not sustain troops amid the rising cost of living.
“What is N100,000 with the current situation of the country? It is not enough. If soldiers are better paid, they will be more motivated to perform their duties,” he said.
Another retired serviceman, Zaki Williams, questioned whether the figure announced by the minister reflected the actual earnings of soldiers.
“Even if they are paying N100,000, it is too small. Any government paying a soldier that amount is not serious, considering the sacrifices they make,” he said.
The Coordinator of the Coalition for Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Herbert-Durowaye, also faulted the salary, saying it was unacceptable for personnel risking their lives to protect the country.
“How can N100,000 be enough for someone putting his life on the line? Look at the cost of food, school fees and housing. It is far from sufficient,” he said.
Serving military personnel, who spoke anonymously because they were not authorised to comment publicly, urged the Federal Government to immediately implement the salary review announced by Tinubu in March.
One officer said the government must fulfil its promise if it was serious about improving troop welfare and restoring morale.
According to the officer, members of the Armed Forces risk their lives daily to defend Nigeria but remain poorly compensated, a situation that has contributed to declining morale and increasing cases of personnel going AWOL.
Another officer warned that inadequate welfare was also affecting military recruitment, noting that fewer Nigerians now viewed military service as financially attractive.
The personnel appealed to President Tinubu to translate his promise into action, saying many military families were struggling to survive amid rising inflation and the high cost of living.
During an interfaith breaking of fast with Service Chiefs on March 7, 2026, Tinubu announced the approval of a salary increase for military personnel and assured members of the Armed Forces that his administration would prioritise their welfare, accommodation and other benefits.
The President pledged that soldiers would have no reason to regret their sacrifices, assuring them that their welfare and that of their families would remain a top priority.
Efforts to obtain comments from the Defence Headquarters were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, were not answered.
Meanwhile, sources familiar with Thursday’s security meeting said the President reviewed the security situation across the country with military and intelligence chiefs.
The meeting came two days after troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, supported by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force (North West), foiled a major terrorist offensive in Zamfara and Katsina states by carrying out precision airstrikes on a convoy of about 300 heavily armed terrorists travelling on motorcycles.
Troops also neutralised Alhaji Tukur, identified by the military as a notorious bandit commander and younger brother of wanted kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye, during an operation in Dogon Kade.
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai also repelled another attack on the Mairari military base amid increasing assaults by insurgents on military formations across Borno State.
As of the time of filing this report, the Presidency had yet to issue an official statement on the outcome of the security meeting.