By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Defence Headquarters has appealed to retired personnel protesting non-payment of demobilization allowances to leave the ministry of finance premises in Abuja, stating that their continued protest lacks merit.
The Director Defence Media Operation, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye made the appeal during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
The retired military personnel had on several occasions blocked the main gate of the Ministry of Finance in Abuja, demanding unpaid entitlements.
Despite pleas from the military, the veterans refused to budge, insisting that their gratuities, debarment allowances, and other dues must be paid before they leave.
The DDMO said that the veterans’ continued protest at the premises not only lacks merit but also disrupts government activities at the Finance Ministry.
Maj-Gen. Kangye explained that prior to the implementation of the minimum wage, there were two charts for calculating soldiers’ gratuity and debarment allowance, in addition to the minimum wage chart.
He said, “The first chart was what we call pre minimum wage chat which was effective 1st January 2024 to 28th July 2024. This was the chart based on which some retired soldiers or retired military personnel emoluments were being calculated. Then the second chart was the real minimum wage chart which took effect from 29 July to date.
“Gratuity and security debarment allowance for military personnel is calculated based on the salary chart on the effective date of retirement. So if a soldier is retired today, the subsisting chart that his involvement will be calculated will be based on the chart today. If tomorrow another chart comes out that soldiers’ involvement will not be calculated based on that.
“Unfortunately, those soldiers who retired from 1 January 2024 to 28 July 2024 before the implementation of the new minimum wage wanted their gratuity and security debarment allowance to be calculated based on the new minimum wage chart. This cannot be done because the policy of the new minimum wage came into effect on 29 July.
Meanwhile, the DDMO announced that troops have eliminated several key terrorist commanders, arrested kidnappers, and foiled oil theft worth over N574.7 million in August 2025.
Major General Kangye noted that in the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted operations in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, eliminating terrorists and recovering arms and terrorists
“During the encounters, 13 terrorists’ collaborators, informants, and gunrunners, as well as a drug peddler, were arrested. Ammunition, logistics items, illicit drugs, vehicles and motorcycles were also recovered from them, while some IEDs were safely detonated in Adamawa, Gwoza and Mobbar LGAs of the state.”
According to him, eight kidnapped victims were rescued in Borno State. Troops denied terrorists freedom of action in the region, conducting aggressive operations and recovering weapons, dismantling terrorist networks, and supporting the safe resettlement of displaced persons.
In the North West, the Director noted that troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have conducted operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kano, and Kaduna States, killing and arresting terrorists, and rescuing kidnapped victims.
“During the encounters, troops eliminated scores of terrorists and arrested 2 (two) suspected terrorist accomplices, while 8 (eight) kidnapped victims were rescued,” The Director explained
He explained that troops specifically eliminated some terrorists, arrested 23, and rescued six kidnapped victims in Shinkafi and Tsafe LGAs of Zamfara State, as well as Isa, Bingi, and Tureta LGAs of Sokoto State.
In the North Central, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE and Operation WHIRL STROKE have conducted operations in Plateau, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, and Kogi States, killing and arresting terrorists, and rescuing kidnapped victims.
”During the firefights, troops killed some of the terrorists, arrested 6 (six) criminals and rescued 2 (two) kidnapped victims. Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered from them,” he noted.
He added that two kidnapped victims were rescued in Plateau State.
In the South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth N545,872,819.00 and N28,800,720.00 in two separate operations.
According to him, the troops discovered and destroyed several illegal refining sites, arresting oil thieves and other criminals.
Major General Kangye explained that a total of 619,236 litres of stolen crude oil, 106,147 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 5,785 litres of DPK were recovered.
He assured that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to defending the country’s territorial integrity, supporting civil authorities in maintaining internal security, and ensuring peace and stability across all regions.
Major General Kangye commended the troops for their unwavering courage, professionalism, and sacrifice in the service of the nation.
