By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations made by a former soldier, Ex-18NA/77/1009 Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as “Soja Boi,” describing his claims about poor welfare, inadequate remuneration and lack of protective equipment for personnel as false and misleading.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said the viral interview circulating on social media and some news platforms contained sensationalised allegations capable of misleading the public.
The Army clarified that Olamilekan was not dismissed for “speaking the truth” or criticising political leadership as suggested in the interview, but was discharged from service for repeated acts of indiscipline and violations of military regulations.
According to the statement, his dismissal followed persistent breaches of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy, including unauthorised media appearances, commercialisation of military identity, partisan content creation and misuse of military uniform.
The Army noted that, like other professional armed forces around the world, the Nigerian military operates under a strict code of conduct and the Armed Forces Act, stressing that Olamilekan’s dismissal was carried out in line with established military laws and procedures.
Addressing claims regarding poor pay, the Army explained that personnel remuneration is governed by a clearly structured salary system based on rank and years of service as provided in the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
It stated that beyond their consolidated monthly salaries, soldiers also receive uniform allowances and other benefits which are periodically paid directly into their bank accounts.
The statement further noted that troops deployed for operations or assigned duties outside their units are entitled to additional allowances, including Ration Cash Allowance and Habit Allowance, as well as free feeding arrangements.
Personnel deployed to operational theatres such as Operation Hadin Kai are also paid operational allowances and other mission-specific entitlements intended to support their welfare and improve operational efficiency.
The Army described as misleading the claim that soldiers receive no additional benefits beyond their basic salary.
Reacting to allegations that soldiers purchase their own uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, the Army said the claim was entirely false.
It maintained that the provision of uniforms, kits, arms, ammunition and operational gear remains the responsibility of the institution and is handled through established logistics systems managed by ordnance units responsible for procurement, storage and distribution.
While acknowledging that some personnel may choose to supplement issued kits for personal comfort or preference, the Army said such decisions are voluntary and do not indicate any systemic deficiency in the supply of operational equipment.
The statement stressed that no soldier is deployed to operational theatres without the required protective gear, dismissing claims that such equipment is issued only during ceremonial visits as deliberate falsehoods.
According to the Army, such narratives are capable of undermining public confidence and negatively affecting troop morale.
The Army therefore urged members of the public to disregard what it described as baseless allegations intended to misinform and attract sympathy.
It also called for sustained public support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies whose personnel continue to make sacrifices to defend the nation.
The Army further advised citizens to avoid amplifying unverified claims that could undermine national security efforts and urged the media to verify information through credible official sources before publication.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security and the welfare of its personnel, the Nigerian Army said the public should treat the allegations with the disregard they deserve.
