A Nigerian soldier stationed in Maiduguri, Borno State, who voiced his frustration in a viral video about his inability to visit his family due to the high cost of transportation, has reportedly been detained by the army.
In the video, the soldier expressed his disappointment at spending one year in the bush and receiving a pass to visit his family, only to be unable to afford the N70,000 round-trip transport fare with his N50,000 monthly salary.
He shared his disappointment, stating that he had no choice but to return to his duty post.
According to Sahara Reporters, multiple military sources revealed that the soldier has been confined to the “guardroom” for several days due to the video, which was considered embarrassing by army authorities.
The incident throws light on the challenges faced by soldiers in Nigeria, particularly in terms of low salaries and the impact on their personal lives.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, recently acknowledged that soldiers and military officers earn less than N50,000 per month, while daily feeding allowances for soldiers on operations stand at just N1,200.
The detention of the soldier, as reported by sources, raises concerns about the freedom of expression within the military and the treatment of soldiers who voice their opinions.
As the news circulates, the incident has sparked discussions online on various social media platforms.
Watch the video below:
