Why allowances of soldiers fighting Boko Haram are delayed - Commander

He said the authorities were doing all within their power to fast track payment of the troops allowances as soon as possible.

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday explained the delay in payment of allowances to some of its officers, attributing it to challenges of implementing the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Federal Government.

Maj.-Gen. Hassan Umaru, the Theater Commander of the Operation Lafiya Dole, told newsmen in Maiduguri that the troops of the Nigerian Army had done the country proud by their gallant efforts against the Boko Haram insurgents.

He said the authorities were doing all within their power to fast track payment of the troops allowances as soon as possible.

He added that "let me acknowledge the tremendous successes and achievements of our gallant troops in the field.

"Their discipline, determination, courage and selfless service are highly appreciated by our dear nation and the world at large.''

However, Umaru said that the introduction of the TSA last year by the Federal Government slowed down businesses in some agencies, the military inclusive.

"We are all aware of government’s introduction of the TSA, which in one way or the other affected government organisations.

"The development also affected the payment of salaries to civilians, apart from the officers and men of the Armed Forces.''

The theater commander said some troops in the theater had also not been paid allowances due to the development, noting that there were some other administrative issues hindering payment of the troops allowances.

"There are issues of duplication of names, wrong account numbers, improper Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and the new policy of remitting allowances directly into individuals’ accounts,’’ the commander said.

He said both the Federal Government and the military authorities were making efforts to provide more logistics to enhance the troops operation.

"The Federal Government and the military hierarchy are doing their best to support this noble course in terms of logistics.

"I urge you to remain focused in achieving our mandate.

"You should not allow yourselves to be misguided by unscrupulous elements.

"I must as well appreciate the invaluable support of the present administration, the government and the good people of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe for their support in the fight against terror.

"Let me thank the media for their patriotism and commitment in bringing peace to the North East.''