NIGERIAN ARMY REBUTS VIRAL CLAIMS BY DISMISSED SOLDIER ROTIMI OLAMILEKAN ON POOR WELFARE, OPERATIONAL GEAR

The Nigerian Army has issued a forceful rebuttal to viral allegations made by a dismissed soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, who claimed that troops purchase their own uniforms, boots, and bulletproof vests with personal funds despite earning meager salaries. The Army described the claims as entirely false, misleading, and capable of undermining national security.

In a statement released on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, responded directly to Olamilekan’s interview on the Honest Brunch Podcast, where he alleged that soldiers earn between N51,000 and N111,000 and are forced to buy essential operational gear at their own expense. The Army insisted that no soldier is deployed to any operational theatre without adequate protective equipment.

The Army maintained that it operates a well-structured and transparent salary system, where earnings are determined by rank and years of service as clearly stipulated in the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria. “In addition to consolidated monthly salaries, personnel are entitled to uniform allowances and other allowances, which are periodically paid directly into their accounts,” Colonel Anele stated.

Addressing the core allegation regarding the procurement of kits and protective gear, the Army was unequivocal. “The claim that soldiers are required to purchase uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, is entirely false. The provision of uniforms, kits, arms, ammunition, and operational gear is an institutional responsibility executed through established logistics systems,” the statement read. The Army acknowledged that some personnel may choose to supplement issued kits based on personal preference and comfort, but stressed that such actions are strictly voluntary and do not indicate any systemic failure.

The military also detailed additional benefits for troops serving in high-risk areas. “Personnel serving in operational theatres such as Operation HADIN KAI in the North East are also paid operational allowances and other mission-specific entitlements designed to support their welfare and enhance operational effectiveness,” Colonel Anele added. Troops deployed on operations or assigned to duties outside their units receive Ration Cash Allowance and Habitat Allowance, in addition to free feeding arrangements.

Crucially, the Army clarified the circumstances surrounding Olamilekan’s dismissal, rejecting his claim that he was punished for speaking the truth about political leadership. “The Nigerian Army categorically states that Mr Olamilekan was not dismissed for ‘speaking the truth’ or expressing opinions on political leadership. He was dismissed following persistent and grave acts of indiscipline, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy,” the statement declared. The Army explained that as a professional military, it operates under a strict Code of Conduct and the Armed Forces Act. “Unauthorised media appearances, commercialisation of military identity, partisan content creation and misuse of military uniform constitute clear breaches of established regulations.”

The Army further noted that Olamilekan, an ex-lance corporal, had spent over four years and nine months deployed in Maiduguri before his dismissal, a period that the soldier himself had cited as evidence of overstay. While the Army did not directly address the length of his deployment, it reiterated that operational decisions regarding postings and deployments are guided strictly by strategic and operational requirements.

The military urged the public to disregard what it described as baseless allegations intended to misinform and generate unwarranted sympathy. “Citizens are urged to refrain from amplifying unverified claims that may undermine these institutions. Those inclined to support such narratives are advised to desist, as they are founded on falsehoods and are capable of weakening troop morale and national security efforts,” the statement warned.

Olamilekan, who first gained public attention in February 2026 after a viral video urging governors, senators, and ministers to send their children to join the military as other ranks, has maintained that his dismissal was a direct consequence of that video. He had alleged that he was arrested from his duty post, handcuffed, and detained for weeks before being formally dismissed. Following his release in March 2026, he expressed gratitude to supporters who campaigned for his freedom under the hashtag #FreeSojaBoi.

Despite the Army’s detailed rebuttal, Olamilekan had earlier insisted on his claims, providing cost estimates for uniform at N55,000 and boots at N60,000, while asserting that bulletproof vests and helmets were generally not provided by the military. The Army has firmly denied these assertions, reiterating its commitment to the welfare, safety, and force protection of its personnel.