8 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Sokoto, has refuted claims by an online news platform alleging poor feeding and non payment of December 2023 allowances of troops deployed to Zamfara state.

The Army made the refutation in a statement issued on Wednesday, January 10 and made available to the reporters.

It said: “The attention of Headquarters 8 Division has been drawn to a report by Sahara Reporters being circulated online alleging that troops deployed in Zamfara state are being poorly fed and have not been paid their December 2023 allowances”

“It is baffling that this Headquarters which has earnestly prioritized the welfare of its troops has been alleged of depriving them.”

It described the unfounded allegation as calculated attempt to cause distraction and disharmony among the troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI that have achieved so much in the fight against terrorism and banditry in Zamfara state while urging the public to disregard any misinformation regarding the feeding of its troops in Zamfara State.

The reaction contained in a release made available to reporters in Sokoto Wednesday night by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Ikechukwu Eze, explained that the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Sokoto, Major General Godwin Mutkut was always physically at the vanguard of ongoing clearance operations in Zamfara State.

“The GOC is constantly there to ensure socio-economic activities continue to flourish in the state for the past two weeks and has been feeding from the same source as the troops, demonstrating his commitment to their well-being and morale which is contrary to the claim of poor feeding of the troops.

“Furthermore, in his commitment to ensuring inclusiveness and accessibility of his troops, he runs an open door policy that encourages any officer or soldier to approach him with their concerns, ideas and challenges regardless of rank or appointment, to ensure that they effectively discharge their responsibilities”, the release pointed out.

While also acknowledging that there could be gaps in dispensing troops ration, the army noted there could be isolated cases that would have received prompt attention if brought to knowledge of the authority through available channels of communication pointing out that the GOC placed premium attention and concern to the well-being of his troops.

“We must however clarify that troops’ Operations Allowance for the month of December is still being processed and will be disbursed as soon as it is ready.

“The Division also wishes to state that it not only recognizes the importance of ensuring the well-being of its officers and soldiers, but also understands the positive impact it will have on their performance and overall morale.

“Consequently, we will remain dedicated to the welfare and well-being of our troops and will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure that they are adequately catered for.

“We urge the public to disregard any misinformation regarding the feeding of our troops in Zamfara State as it is calculated to cause distraction and disharmony among the troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI who have achieved so much in the fight against terrorism and banditry in Zamfara State.

“We appreciate the continued support and understanding of the public as we work tirelessly to maintain peace and security in Zamfara State and Northwestern Nigeria.”