Esther Oseyiomon
The Theatre Command of Operation Hadin Kai has dismissed recent social media reports alleging poor feeding of troops in the North-East, describing the claims as misleading and not reflective of the actual welfare conditions of personnel in the theatre.
In a statement issued by the Headquarters, Joint Task Force (North East), the Command said the allegations were reviewed through established internal procedures, which found that the circulating images and narratives did not accurately represent the feeding system in place for troops deployed across various formations.
According to the Command, personnel are provided with rations in line with approved military feeding standards, with provisions consistently implemented across operational locations. It added that feeding arrangements are often enhanced during festive periods such as Sallah and Easter to boost morale among troops operating under demanding conditions.
The Command further explained that the feeding structure within the theatre is designed to ensure transparency and accountability. Meals are managed through Food Committees comprising personnel from different ranks and supervised by senior non-commissioned officers, allowing for collective oversight in menu planning, preparation, and distribution.
Addressing the origin of the viral content, the Command disclosed that investigations traced the misleading report to a specific incident involving a personnel who deliberately shared an image of a partially consumed meal to create a false impression. It clarified that the image did not reflect the full ration issued at the time.
Following the findings, the Command said appropriate disciplinary action was taken against the individual in accordance with the Armed Forces Act, to maintain discipline and protect the integrity of the military.
Reaffirming its commitment, the Theatre Command stressed that the welfare of troops remains a top priority despite the logistical and environmental challenges associated with operations in the North-East. It noted that continuous efforts are made to ensure personnel are adequately catered for in all operational circumstances.
Troops were also encouraged to utilise internal communication channels to address grievances, rather than resorting to actions capable of undermining morale or misrepresenting operational realities.
The Command urged members of the public to disregard unverified information circulating online and rely on official sources, warning that misinformation could negatively impact ongoing military operations and national security efforts.
It reiterated that Operation Hadin Kai remains committed to its mandate of restoring peace, security, and stability in the North-East, while prioritising the welfare, discipline, and effectiveness of its personnel.