Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations made by a dismissed soldier, Ex-Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as “Soja Boi,” describing the claims as misleading and aimed at undermining public confidence in the military.
In a statement responding to reports circulating on social media and some mainstream media platforms, the Nigerian Army said it was compelled to address the claims to prevent the public from being misled.
“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a sensationalised report circulating on social media and mainstream news platforms featuring an interview with a dismissed soldier, Ex-18NA/77/1009 Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as ‘Soja Boi,’” the statement said.
According to the Army, Olamilekan made allegations relating to welfare, remuneration, and provision of uniforms and protective equipment for personnel. However, the military authorities said the claims were inaccurate.
“While the Nigerian Army remains focused on its core mandate of safeguarding the nation, it has become necessary to correct these falsehoods to prevent the public from being misled,” the statement added.
Army Clarifies Reason for Dismissal
The Nigerian Army also rejected claims that Olamilekan was dismissed for speaking out or criticising leadership, insisting that his removal followed serious disciplinary violations.
“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 Army said.
It further explained that, like professional militaries worldwide, the Nigerian Army operates under strict regulations.
“Like all professional militaries, the Nigerian Army 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. His dismissal followed due process in line with military laws.”
Salary Structure and Allowances
Addressing concerns about remuneration, the Army maintained that its salary system is structured and transparent, based on rank and years of service.
“On the issue of remuneration, the Nigerian Army 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 Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA).”
The Army also explained that soldiers receive multiple allowances beyond their basic salary.
“In addition to consolidated monthly salaries, personnel are entitled to uniform allowances and other allowances, which are periodically paid directly into their accounts.”
It added that troops on operational assignments receive additional benefits.
“Furthermore, troops deployed on operations or assigned to duties outside their units receive Ration Cash Allowance, Habit Allowance, in addition to free feeding arrangements.”
Personnel deployed to operational theatres, including Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East, also receive operational allowances.
“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.”
The Army stressed that portraying soldiers as receiving only basic salary is inaccurate.
“The portrayal of soldiers as receiving no additional benefits beyond basic salary is therefore misleading and inaccurate.”
Equipment and Uniforms Provided
The Nigerian Army also dismissed claims that soldiers purchase their own uniforms and protective equipment.
“The claim that soldiers are required to purchase uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, is entirely false,” the Army stated.
It explained that provision of operational gear is an institutional responsibility.
“The Nigerian Army prioritises the welfare, safety, and force protection of its personnel. The provision of uniforms, kits, arms, ammunition, and operational gear is an institutional responsibility executed through established logistics systems.”
According to the statement, specialised units handle procurement and distribution.
“Dedicated ordnance units oversee the procurement, storage, and issuance of these items to ensure troops are adequately equipped for operations.”
The Army acknowledged that some personnel may choose to supplement issued gear voluntarily.
“While some personnel may choose to supplement issued kits based on personal preference and comfort, such actions are voluntary and do not indicate any systemic failure.”
It warned that claims suggesting soldiers operate without protective equipment are dangerous.
“The assertion that troops operate without protective gear is not only false but also reckless, as it undermines public confidence and troop morale.”
Commitment to Troop Welfare
The Nigerian Army further reassured Nigerians of its commitment to troop welfare and operational efficiency.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no soldier is deployed to an operational theatre without the necessary protective equipment. Claims that such gear is only issued during ceremonial visits are deliberate falsehoods intended to mislead the public.”
The statement concluded by reiterating that operational decisions are guided strictly by military strategy and national security priorities.
“The Nigerian Army remains committed to the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and troop welfare. Operational decisions regarding postings and deployments are guided strictly by strategic and operational requirements.”