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

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."I urge our servicemen to take our gesture as a sign of our deep appreciation of the services they render to our fatherland. Together we shall prevail over the enemies intent on destroying the fabric of our nation."Successive Nigerian governments have struggled to contain insecurity despite increased military deployments and spending.Islamist insurgents, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (Iswap), continue to stage attacks in the north-east, while heavily armed criminal gangs - which loot and kidnap for ransom - operate across parts of north-west and north-central areas.Other security challenges include separatist unrest in the south-east and deadly clashes over land between farmers and herders.The most junior personnel are to receive the biggest salary hike:Privates up to staff sergeants: 80%Warrant officers up to colonels: 5...