The Nigerian Army’s 35 Artillery Brigade has denied claims that troops deployed under Operation MESA were unpaid and extorting motorists, describing the allegations as false and intended to discredit its leadership. The denial was contained in a press release signed on Friday by Major Idereghi Samuel Akari, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 35 Artillery Brigade.
According to the statement, the Headquarters, 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, reacted to a viral video circulating on social media and attributed to one Abdul. The video accused the Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Godwin Nwamba, the Commanding Officer, 351 Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Matthew, and the Brigade Operations Officer, Major Isaac Ezechukwu, of denying soldiers their allowances and allowing routine extortion of motorists along border routes.
The Brigade said the claims were misleading and required clarification in the interest of the public. It explained that soldiers deployed on company duties are operating under Operation MESA, a state sponsored multi agency security operation. The release stated that before Brigadier General Nwamba assumed command in January 2025, personnel under Operation MESA received a monthly allowance of ₦45,000.
It added that after assuming command, the Brigade Commander approved an upward review of the allowance to ₦60,000 per soldier monthly, in line with the Chief of Army Staff Command Philosophy of Sound Administration. The statement noted that the allowance “is being duly paid by the state as at when due,” stressing that troop welfare remains a priority of the command.
On the allegation that soldiers extort motorists along border routes, the Brigade said troops deployed in such areas have never engaged in illegal or unethical conduct. It stated that the Nigerian Army maintains zero tolerance for indiscipline and extortion, and that no credible complaint has been recorded against the troops involved in Operation MESA duties.
The release further disclosed that in compliance with directives from Defence and Army Headquarters, all unnecessary checkpoints along border areas have been removed. According to the Brigade, only relevant security agencies are now allowed to conduct checks on the contents of vehicles commuting along the affected roads.
Describing the viral video as “malicious, unfounded and deliberately misleading,” the Brigade alleged that the individual behind it is a disgruntled retired airman. It claimed that during his service in the Nigerian Air Force, he engaged in actions aimed at discrediting senior officers through propaganda and false narratives, and that his current actions are designed to attract social media attention and mislead the public.
The Headquarters, 35 Artillery Brigade, reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency and the welfare of its personnel. It said the Brigade will continue to work closely with other security agencies and stakeholders in Ogun State to protect lives and property, while upholding military ethics and discipline. The Brigade emphasized responsibilities and lawful operations.
