The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has disclosed that Nigerian soldiers now earn a minimum monthly salary of ₦100,000 following a recent review of their welfare by the Federal Government.

The minister made the disclosure during an interview on News Central, saying the salary increase was part of efforts to improve the welfare and morale of military personnel.

According to him, the monthly pay of an entry-level soldier has increased from ₦49,000 to ₦100,000, although he admitted that the country’s defence budget remains inadequate to meet all the needs of the Armed Forces.

Speaking on the nation’s security challenges, the minister advocated stiffer punishment for kidnappers, including the introduction of the death penalty, arguing that stronger sanctions would serve as a deterrent to criminal activities.

He also commented on the recent abduction of pupils in Oyo State, describing the incident as unfortunate and alleging that the kidnappers were seeking the release of some of their detained commanders.

According to him, the abductors had threatened to kill the victims if security operatives intensified rescue efforts.

The minister further dismissed allegations of poor feeding within the military, insisting that soldiers receive adequate meals.

He alleged that a military officer identified as Justice Crack deliberately removed items from a meal before recording a video that created the impression that soldiers were being poorly fed.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel while strengthening the country’s security architecture.