The Nigerian Army on Wednesday attributed the delay in payment of allowances to some of its officers to challenges of implementing the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Federal Government.

The new Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Umaru, however, assured Nigerian troops that their welfare is a major priority towards ensuring their commitment to the war on terror.

Addressing his maiden press briefing in Maiduguri, General Umaru assured that the Nigerian Army will continue to provide for their needs in terms of logistics, salaries and allowances. He also assured that some mechanisms have been put in place to address the problem arising from the TSA implementation.

He said: “A number of troops have not accessed their salaries and allowances due to the new policy on monthly posting to individual accounts, BVN and differences in names of accounts. It is an issue that is being addressed.”

While commending the traditional institutions and the media for their role in sensitising the public on security consciousness and being their brothers’ keepers, he said everyone must be involved in ensuring the success of the counter-terrorism campaign.

Also speaking, the newly appointed General Officer commanding, (GOC) 7 Division, Brigadier General Victor Ezugwu urged journalists to consider national interest first in their reportage, as the media are stakeholders and partners in progress in the war against the terrorists.

He also appealed to the media to always confirm their reports from the military authorities before going to the press to avoid conflicting reports that could undermine national security.

In his contributions, the Deputy Theater Commander, Major General Irabor, said the military is determined to completely wipe out the insurgents and urged for the continuous support of the media.