Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 90 Amphibious Battalion in Koko, Warri, Delta State, have accused their Commanding Officer, Lt. Colonel M.M. Garba, of diverting allowances meant for personnel deployed to oil facilities and subjecting them to poor welfare conditions.

Speaking anonymously to SaharaReporters on Friday, several soldiers alleged that troops attached to private oil companies—including Chevron, Seplat, Pan Ocean, Sharon Tank Farm, Optimal Tank Farm, and Presco—are paid between ₦350,000 and ₦400,000 monthly for security duties, yet only ₦40,000 reportedly reaches each soldier.

Some companies provide meals, but others do not, forcing the Commanding Officer to issue raw food items. Troops claim the food is insufficient and often does not last a week, despite the sizable funds received.

“This is what we face in 90 Amphibious Battalion,” one soldier lamented. “We work like elephants and eat like ants. Soldiers go for escort duties and are entitled to allowances, yet we receive nothing. With the harsh economic situation, many of us are struggling to survive.”

The soldiers also criticised poor administrative practices, including extended duty rotations that now stretch up to seven or eight months, far beyond the intended three-month rotations.

The personnel are demanding full payment of all allowances, including the ₦350,000–₦400,000 monthly allocation from oil companies and a ₦90,000 feeding allowance to replace inadequate rations.

They have called on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to investigate the allegations and remove Lt. Colonel Garba from his post.

“We are appealing to military authorities to intervene, investigate the disparities, and ensure we are paid our rightful entitlements,” a soldier said.