SERAP has seen the undated video, which was uploaded on YouTube on Tuesday, apparently showing several soldiers at Alargarno in Borno State, lamenting their lack of food and water and seeking the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari. But the Nigerian Army says the video was shot six months ago allegedly by “mischievous and disgruntled elements”.

Regardless of the timing of the video and the alleged motive of those who posted it, SERAP is seriously concerned about the allegations contained in the undated video that Nigerian soldiers lack access to adequate food and clean water. We reiterate for the record that no Nigerian soldier should be undernourished or lack essential vitamins and minerals in their food. No soldier should die from malnutrition or related diseases.

#FoodSecurity4NigerianSoldiers

SERAP believes that combating hunger and malnutrition in the country especially among our soldiers who are giving our country so much in difficult circumstances is more than a moral duty or a policy choice; it is a legally binding human rights obligation on the government, as Nigeria has ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights which guarantee the right to food and water.


The right to food is not simply a right to a minimum ration of calories, proteins and other specific nutrients. It is a right to all nutritional elements that a person needs to live a healthy and active life, and to the means to access them.

Water is the essence of life. Safe drinking water and sanitation are indispensable to sustain life and health, and fundamental to the dignity of all. The right to water therefore covers access to water to sustain life and health and to meet basic needs.

#FoodSecurity4NigerianSoldiers

SERAP therefore urges President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Army Staff to promptly, thoroughly and effectively investigate this video which suggests that Nigerian soldiers are denied their internationally recognized human rights to water and adequate food.

SERAP also calls on the Nigerian government to take immediate action to provide adequate food and clean water to our soldiers including those shown in the video and others sacrificing so much for the sake of peace and security in our country.

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