Welfare allegations against Commanding Officer of 90 Amphibious Battalion is Untrue– Investigation

Recent media reports had claimed that the Commanding Officer of the 90 Amphibious Battalion in Koko, Delta State, Lt. Col. M.M. Garba, mismanaged soldiers’ allowances and welfare. A detailed review, however, shows that the officer has properly administered all entitlements and has provided additional support to personnel. Investigations has revealed.

Investigation has been conducted and ascertained that the senior officer in question is free of the allegations leveled against him by some of his soldiers.

investigations revealed that the battalion consists of about 400 soldiers, with roughly 300 deployed to oil facilities and 100 stationed at the base and investigations absorbed Mr. Garba of any wrongdoing, no evidence of diverted allowances, inadequate feeding, or excessive duty rotations.

Further investigations revealed that under Lt. Col. Garba’s command, allowances have increased. The RCA allowance was raised from ₦30,000 to ₦40,000 per month and is paid uniformly to all soldiers. Deployed soldiers also receive a ₦150,000 monthly feeding allowance directly from the oil‑company partners, with the funds transferred to individual accounts. Two company sources confirmed these payments, though one partner, SEPLAT, has reportedly not made payments since January 2025, contrary to earlier claims that soldiers only received ₦40,000.

The Commanding Officer contributes approximately ₦7 million each month for feeding at both deployed sites and the base, a voluntary effort intended to maintain morale and operational readiness. This contribution began when he assumed command in January 2025.

An assessment suggests the allegations may have stemmed from misinformation or attempts to undermine the CO’s credibility. Soldiers who spoke anonymously said the officer has never misappropriated allowances and that all entitlements are received in full, sometimes with extra voluntary support. They described the CO as a “good man” and expressed disbelief at the online claims, urging that inquiries be directed to the troops themselves.

Overall, soldiers report that welfare has improved under Lt. Col. Garba, noting timely payment of allowances and consistent feeding support. His leadership demonstrates that committed command can address resource gaps and uphold soldiers’ rights.