Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Army has dismissed social media claims alleging internal power tussles, welfare neglect and financial exploitation within the 90 Battalion, Koko, describing them as a “malicious attempt at institutional blackmail.”
The allegations, shared anonymously and circulated widely on social media earlier in the week, had claimed that soldiers within the battalion were being subjected to religious-based postings, leadership clashes, welfare lapses and alleged extortion by superior officers.
The publication, which provided no verifiable evidence, gained traction amid heightened public scrutiny of military welfare and internal accountability, particularly as the Army intensifies operations across the Niger Delta region.
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The 90 Battalion, under the 6 Division headquartered in Port Harcourt, plays a key role in ongoing security operations across Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and parts of Edo States. The Army has in past years faced sporadic anonymous petitions and online accusations, often dismissed as attempts by disgruntled personnel or external actors to influence command decisions or undermine operational cohesion.
In its response on Wednesday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the circulating allegations were unsubstantiated and deliberately crafted to discredit the battalion’s leadership. He stressed that postings and deployments across Nigerian Army formations remain routine exercises carried out without bias or “any primordial considerations.”
According to him, the Commanding Officer of 90 Battalion has been executing his responsibilities professionally within available resources, and there is no evidence to support the claims of favouritism or corruption.
Lt. Col. Danjuma reiterated that the Nigerian Army maintains “zero tolerance for corruption, welfare abuse, religious-based postings and any form of malfeasance within its ranks,” adding that established channels exist for personnel to lodge administrative complaints. Any individual bypassing these mechanisms to circulate falsehoods online, he warned, may be deemed to be engaging in “institutional blackmail.”
While urging the public to disregard the online claims, he assured that credible reports of misconduct particularly those bordering on extortion would be duly investigated in line with military procedures.
The 6 Division reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and assured residents of the Niger Delta region of continued efforts to safeguard security and stability.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
