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Ex-Soldier Alleges Widespread Embezzlement, Claims Military Generals Among Nigeria's Richest

A former soldier has leveled serious allegations of systemic corruption within the Nigerian military, claiming that high-ranking generals are misappropriating security funds and soldiers' allowances to finance lavish lifestyles, making them among the country's wealthiest individuals.

In a recent interview, the ex-servicemember, who joined the army in 1993, contrasted the past with the present, stating it was once rare to see generals owning vast estates. "You see this estate belongs to this person in Abuja, that estate belongs to this general... Is it his salary he is using to acquire those houses? No. It is the soldiers’ money and security funds they are taking," she alleged.

Allegations of Misused Funds and Human Cost

The ex-soldier described a direct link between the generals' wealth and the deprivation faced by rank-and-file soldiers and their families. She claimed that funds meant for personnel are diverted, sometimes even after a soldier's death.

"That money should have been paid to soldiers who are risking their lives and sometimes dying," she said, recounting a case where a family was unaware of their husband's death until authorities located them to settle financial matters.

Broader Context of Military Spending and Scrutiny

The allegations emerge amid ongoing public scrutiny of Nigeria's defense expenditures. Earlier this year, the Nigerian Senate approved a ₦4.8 trillion defense and security budget for 2025, underscoring the massive scale of financial resources allocated to the sector.

The ex-soldier's claims align with longstanding concerns from transparency advocates. In October 2025, a coalition of civil society organizations petitioned the National Assembly to investigate the military's procurement processes and overall spending, citing a need for greater accountability. These allegations also follow the high-profile arrest of a former governor for corruption, highlighting the government's stated anti-graft focus.

The ex-soldier concluded with a call for systemic reform: "They need to change." Her testimony adds a powerful, personal voice to demands for greater transparency and accountability in the management of Nigeria's defense resources.

*Source: Gistreel*
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