The Nigerian Army has intensified efforts to enhance the welfare of troops deployed in the North-East theatre of operations. Abdulsalam Abubakar, theatre commander of the North East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, disclosed this in Maiduguri on Friday.

Mr Abubakar said that the army had also introduced reforms aimed at improving morale, operational efficiency and overall well-being of troops on the front line.

He said that parts of the enhanced welfare for troops include an increase in soldiers’ allowances across the board from N20,000 to N50,000, covering ranks from privates to warrant officers.

He noted that the upward review reflected the military leadership’s commitment to recognising the sacrifices of troops engaged in the counter-insurgency campaign.

The commander added that the initiative aligned with the ‘Soldier First’ concept of army chief Waidi Shaibu, which places priority on the welfare and career progression of personnel.

According to him, troops serving in the theatre are now receiving greater consideration for foreign training and peacekeeping missions.

“Even as we speak, preparations are ongoing for the deployment of three different batches of soldiers for foreign missions, with priority given to those who have served in the theatre,” he said.

The theatre commander also revealed that the outstanding senior officers were receiving special recognition, with performance-based considerations introduced to reward commitment and professionalism in the field.

He further said that in a bid to ease the burden of deployment, the Nigerian Army had sustained its welfare flight operations, enabling troops to rotate more efficiently and spend less time away from their families.

He said that the initiative had also reduced the risks associated with long-distance road travel, which had historically exposed personnel to security threats.

Mr Abubakar said that, on operational readiness, the army chief had introduced quick-intervention funds for commanding officers, allowing them to promptly repair and maintain equipment in the field.

He highlighted reforms in troop feeding arrangements, noting that food committees have been established across various locations and were managed by the soldiers themselves.

According to him, the initiative allows personnel to choose their meals, thereby improving nutrition and satisfaction.

(NAN)