Military Explains Why Some Soldiers Haven’t Received Ration Allowance

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has attributed the delay in the payment of Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) to some soldiers involved in counter-terrorism operations to technical issues within the banking system.

According to Ireporter Online, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Magnus Kangye, clarified that the delay was not due to any fault of the field commanders or the military leadership, emphasizing that funds for the soldiers’ welfare had already been approved and released.

Kangye explained that the RCA is specifically designed to cater to soldiers’ feeding and welfare needs while on active deployment. He assured that the military remains committed to ensuring the well-being of its personnel, stressing that no soldier would be left to fight on an empty stomach.

Addressing journalists during a press briefing in Abuja, the defence spokesperson dismissed speculations suggesting that field commanders were withholding the allowances, noting that such actions would have a negative effect on troop morale.

“The welfare of our personnel is a top priority,” he said. “No commander would deliberately deny soldiers their entitlements. If soldiers are not fed or motivated, it affects their operational efficiency. Any delay in payment is largely due to system or transaction glitches, not negligence.”

Kangye compared the situation to a normal banking transaction delay, where funds transferred do not immediately reflect in the recipient’s account. He reiterated that the issue is temporary and that all affected soldiers would receive their allowances shortly.

Reports indicate that some soldiers deployed under DHQ-led operations, particularly in Operation Fasan Yamma in the North-West and Operation Whirl Stroke in the North-Central, had complained about non-payment of their feeding allowances since August 2025. Kangye assured that such concerns were being addressed promptly and transparently.