The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has attributed the recent delay in the payment of Ration Cash Allowances (RCA) to soldiers across various operational fronts to financial system glitches, clarifying that the situation was not caused by field commanders or military authorities.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Magnus Kangye, said any delay in payment could only have occurred within the financial system, stressing that commanders were not withholding funds meant for troops.
“The issue of soldiers’ welfare has always been a priority. No field commander would be given funds to feed or pay his troops and then refuse to do so,” Kangye said. “If that happens, morale will drop, and the soldiers’ effectiveness will be affected. So, if there’s a delay, it’s definitely not from the commanders.”
He acknowledged that payment processes could occasionally face transaction or system delays, but assured that affected soldiers would receive their allowances.
“Yes, there may be some delay in some instances, but the RCA will surely be paid. A delay of a day or two can happen because no system is perfect,” he added.
Kangye compared the situation to a banking delay, noting that even personal transfers can sometimes fail to reflect immediately.
“Sometimes, when you transfer money to your family, your wife might say she hasn’t received it yet. That doesn’t mean you didn’t send it — it’s a banking issue. It’s the same with these payments,” he explained.
The DHQ’s clarification comes after complaints from soldiers deployed under Operation Fasin Yamma in the North-West and Operation Whirl Stroke in the North-Central, who alleged that they had not received their RCAs since August 2025.
The Ration Cash Allowance is provided to support troops’ feeding and welfare during active field operations.
Over the years, concerns over delayed or unpaid allowances have repeatedly surfaced, prompting the military to reassure personnel of its commitment to their welfare and operational support.
