The pay raises of up to 80% for members of the Nigerian armed forces come as Islamist insurgents such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province continue their attacks in the country. Follow us on GoogleArmed military men keep watch from a military truck during a public destruction exercise at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Abuja, Nigeria, July 30, 2026.(photo credit: REUTERS/Marvellous Durowaiye)ByREUTERSAUGUST 4, 2026 23:46Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has approved pay rises of up to 80% for members of the armed forces, the presidency said on Tuesday, in a move aimed at boosting troop welfare as the country battles insurgency, banditry and kidnappings.The salary increase comes as Nigeria grapples with multiple security challenges across different regions.Islamic insurgents continue attacksIslamist insurgents, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), continue to stage attacks in the northeast, while heavily armed criminal gangs, known locally as bandits, operate across parts of the northwest. Kidnappings for ransom have become widespread in parts of north-central Nigeria, while security forces also face periodic separatist-linked violence in the southeast.Under the new pay structure, effective Sept. 1, officers above the rank of colonel, including generals, will receive a 30% salary increase. Personnel from colonel to warrant officer will receive a 50% raise, while soldiers from private to staff sergeant rank will see salaries rise by 80%, according to a statement by presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga.A Nigerian soldier walks past military tanks prepared for deployment during a tour of the Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole by Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, November 7, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/Ahmed Kingimi/File Photo)The new package will increase the annual wage bill for the armed forces to 924 billion naira ($678.68 million) from 660 billion naira.Successive governments have struggled to contain insecurity despite increased military deployments and spending, with attacks by armed groups continuing to strain security forces and communities.Tinubu said his administration would continue to prioritize troop welfare and modernize the armed forces with the weapons and technology needed to tackle security threats.Follow us on Google