The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), has sought a 100 percent upward review of the welfare of military and police personnel.
The Committee, in a statement on Thursday jointly signed by its national president, Comrade ‘Yinka Folarin and general secretary, Comrade Idris Afees, expressed concern over the growing complaints emanating from serving personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces regarding their welfare, conditions of service, and the administration of voluntary discharge requests, stressed that the claims require proper investigation by the appropriate authorities.
The statement reads, “The Nigerian military remains the foremost institution standing between the nation and the existential threats posed by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, insurgency, and other forms of violent criminality. These gallant officers and men constitute the frontline of Nigeria’s national security, and their welfare, dignity, morale, and rights must never be treated as secondary considerations.”
CDHR therefore called on President Bola Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and the leadership of the National Assembly to immediately initiate a comprehensive review of the remuneration, welfare packages, working conditions, insurance, healthcare, housing, and retirement benefits of military personnel.
“We specifically demand a 100% upward review of the remuneration and welfare packages of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces to reflect the enormous sacrifices they continue to make in defence of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Nigeria.
The Committee equally called on the Federal Government, the Police Service Commission, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Assembly to accord similar priority to the welfare of the men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force. “As the nation’s foremost internal security agency, police personnel confront criminality daily under extremely difficult conditions.
“Their salaries, operational allowances, insurance, healthcare, accommodation, modern equipment, and post-service benefits must also be substantially improved to boost morale, professionalism, and effective service delivery. A secure nation cannot be achieved without a well-motivated and adequately equipped Police Force.
“The Federal Government must equally embark on an immediate nationwide audit of the families of military personnel who paid the supreme price in the line of duty. Beyond ceremonial burials, media headlines, and symbolic gestures, there must be intentional, sustainable, and measurable government action to ensure that the widows, children, and dependants of fallen heroes are adequately catered for. No family that has sacrificed a loved one for the survival of Nigeria should be abandoned to poverty, neglect, or despair.”
According to CDHR, while military service necessarily requires discipline and operational readiness, administrative decisions affecting personnel, including voluntary discharge applications, should be handled transparently, fairly, and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
It stressed that addressing legitimate welfare concerns strengthens military professionalism, improves morale, and ultimately enhances national security.
“We commend the renewed operational directives and determined posture of the military leadership against terrorists and other violent criminal elements. The resolve to intensify operations against enemies of the Nigerian state deserves the support of all patriotic citizens. However, military success cannot be sustained without corresponding improvements in the welfare and motivation of those prosecuting the war.”
CDHR called on State Governments and Governors to complement the efforts of the Federal Government by making strategic investments in modern digital security infrastructure and technology.
