The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations made by a former soldier, Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan—popularly known as “Soja Boi”—describing them as misleading and aimed at misinforming the public.
In a statement on Tuesday, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said Olamilekan was not dismissed for “speaking the truth” but for repeated acts of indiscipline, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy.
TheFact Daily reports that Olamilekan stirred a lot of attention after a viral interview where he made several claims about conditions in the Nigerian Army, ranging from poor welfare and low pay (that their earnings do not match the risks they face, especially those deployed to conflict zones) and lack of equipment (he claimed that soldiers sometimes buy their own uniforms and source personal protective gear such as boots, etc) among others. The claims gained traction because they connect with long-standing public concerns about Nigeria’s military operations, especially in the North-East.
Anele explained that Olamilekan’s of fences—ranging from unauthorised media appearances to the commercialisation of military identity and misuse of uniform—contravened established military regulations, and that his dismissal followed due process in line with the Armed Forces Act.
Addressing claims on remuneration, the Army maintained that it operates a structured and transparent salary system governed by the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA), with earnings based on rank and years of service. It added that personnel receive uniform allowances and other entitlements, paid directly into their accounts.
The statement further noted that troops on deployment or special duties are entitled to additional benefits, including Ration Cash Allowance and Habit Allowance, as well as free feeding. Personnel in operational theatres such as Operation HADIN KAI also receive operational allowances and mission-specific incentives to support their welfare and effectiveness.
On allegations that soldiers purchase their own uniforms and protective gear, the Army described the claims as entirely false, stressing that the provision of kits, arms, ammunition, and protective equipment remains its institutional responsibility. It added that while some personnel may choose to supplement issued items for personal comfort, such decisions are voluntary and do not reflect systemic shortcomings.
The Army emphasised that no personnel are deployed without the necessary protective equipment, dismissing claims that such gear is only issued during ceremonial visits as deliberate falsehoods intended to undermine public confidence.
It urged the public to disregard the allegations and refrain from spreading unverified information, warning that such narratives could erode troop morale and weaken national security efforts. The Army also called on the media to verify information from credible official sources before publication, reaffirming its commitment to discipline, accountability, and the welfare of its personnel.
