Military salary hike will boost anti-insurgency operations — Defence minister

The Nigerian Defence Minister, Gen. Christopher Musa, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving a significant salary hike for the Armed Forces personnel, ranging from 30 to 80 percent. The move, described by Musa as a monumental boost to troop welfare and operational effectiveness, seeks to address the financial hardships faced by military personnel.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, Musa lauded the President for his commitment to improving the welfare of frontline troops. The historic salary review, effective from September 1, 2026, will see a substantial increase in personnel cost, from ₦660 billion to ₦924 billion annually. Under the new structure, rank and file soldiers will receive an 80 percent hike, warrant officers to colonels will get a 50 percent boost, while senior officers from brigadier-general to general will enjoy a 30 percent increase.

Musa emphasized that this financial uplift will have a resounding impact on ongoing operations against insurgency, banditry, oil theft, and kidnapping, across all operational theatres. The Defence Minister urged the military personnel to regard the enhanced remuneration as a renewed call to duty, urging them to intensify efforts in curbing insecurity, protecting lives, and restoring stability in the country.