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Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has revealed that soldiers now earn a minimum monthly salary of ₦100,000 following a recent pay review by the Nigerian Government.
Speaking in an interview with News Central, Musa said the salary was increased from ₦49,000, but noted that the country’s current defence budget remains inadequate.
“When they started, a soldier was collecting ₦49,000 monthly. We tried so hard; now he’s collecting ₦100,000,” he said.
The minister also called for the introduction of the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, arguing that tougher punishments would help curb the rising wave of abductions across the country.
“I think we should do that. There must be deterrence. The laws are soft, and that’s why people take advantage. If they know once you commit an offence, there must be punishment,” Musa said.
Commenting on the abduction of more than 40 teachers and students from Oriire in Oyo State in May, Musa described the incident as unfortunate and claimed the kidnappers were attempting to pressure the military into releasing some of their detained commanders.
“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.
According to the minister, the kidnappers have also threatened to kill the children if security forces intensify rescue operations.
“They are now threatening that if we come any closer, they’re going to kill all the kids,” he added.
Musa also dismissed allegations that soldiers are poorly fed, insisting that claims circulating in the public space are misleading.
