Nigeria's president orders a 80% salary increase for junior soldiers

Nigerian soldiers are to get a pay increase of up to 80% - their second salary increase in a month - for what President Bola Tinubu says is the government's "deep appreciation" of those battling the nation's enormous security threats.In July, the defence minister raised the monthly wages for privates, the lowest-ranking soldiers, from $36 (£27) to $73. With the president's intervention they will now receive $132 from September.It is part of Tinubu's efforts to curb violence from various armed groups, including Islamist militants and criminal kidnap gangs, known locally as "bandits".Last month, he ordered the recruitment of 28,000 extra soldiers and the creation of four new army divisions.Continuing insecurity nationwide has become a major political issue ahead of the 2027 elections.Announcing the salary hikes, the president praised the courage and sacrifices of members of the armed forces confronting "the scourge of banditry, kidnapping and terrorism"."The men and women who help to keep us safe in our homes must be supported and appreciated in the course of their duties to our nation," he said in a statement.