RismadarVoice Reporters, April 7, 2026
The Nigerian Army has rejected allegations made by a dismissed soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as “Soja Boi,” describing his claims about soldiers’ welfare, salaries and equipment as false, misleading.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said the former Lance Corporal was dismissed from service due to repeated acts of indiscipline, not for “speaking the truth” as he claimed in a widely circulated interview.
According to the Army, Olamilekan, identified as Ex-18NA/77/1009 Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, violated several provisions of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy and other military regulations. The Army noted that his actions included unauthorized media appearances, commercialization of military identity, creation of partisan content and misuse of military uniform.
The statement emphasized that the dismissal followed due process in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and the Nigerian Army’s Code of Conduct.
Addressing claims about poor remuneration, the Army said personnel are paid according to a structured salary system based on rank and years of service as stipulated in the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA).
Beyond their monthly salaries, soldiers are entitled to several allowances, including uniform allowances and operational benefits. The Army added that personnel deployed outside their units receive Ration Cash Allowance, Habit Allowance and other entitlements, as well as free feeding arrangements.
Troops serving in active operational theatres such as Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East are also paid operational allowances and mission-specific benefits intended to support their welfare, enhance operational effectiveness.
The Army also refuted claims that soldiers purchase their own uniforms or protective gear. It maintained that uniforms, bulletproof vests, helmets, arms, ammunition and other operational equipment are provided through established logistics systems managed by dedicated ordnance units.
“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,” the statement said.
It further described allegations that protective gear is only issued during ceremonial visits as “deliberate falsehoods intended to mislead the public.”
The Army warned that such claims could undermine public confidence, affect troop morale.
The statement urged the public to disregard what it described as baseless allegations and cautioned against amplifying unverified information that could weaken national security efforts.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining discipline, accountability and the welfare of its personnel, while calling on media organizations to verify information from official sources before publication.
