The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has said the monthly salary of a Nigerian soldier has increased from N49,000 to N100,000 as part of efforts to improve the welfare of military personnel.

Mr Musa spoke while appearing on News Central TV.

Responding to questions whether the salary would be sufficient for the troops, he said, “It is not enough. They have increased our pay. When they started, a soldier was collecting N49,000 monthly.We tried so hard and now collect N100,000.”

Mr Musa also called for tougher penalties for kidnappers, saying stricter punishment would help deter abductions across the country.

“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft and that is why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” he stated.

Speaking on the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, the defence chief described the incident as unfortunate.

“You know, it’s a very sad event. Unfortunately, bad things do happen. For whatever reason, they are looking for leverage because we have some of their commanders with us and they feel taking these kids and holding them to ransom will make us release their commander,” he said.

He added that the kidnappers threatened to kill the hostages if security forces intensified rescue operations

“They are now threatening that if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids,” he said.