Army rejects dismissed soldier’s claims on welfare, uniforms
Army
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations made by ex-Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, known as “Soja Boi,” in a viral interview, calling them “falsehoods” aimed at misleading the public.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Army clarified that Olamilekan, identified as Ex-18NA/77/1009, was sacked not for “speaking the truth” but for “persistent and grave acts of indiscipline, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy.”
It stressed that “unauthorised media appearances, commercialisation of military identity, partisan content creation and misuse of military uniform constitute clear breaches of established regulations,” with dismissal following due process under military laws.
Addressing remuneration concerns, the Army highlighted its “well-structured and transparent salary system,” including consolidated monthly pay, uniform allowances, Ration Cash Allowance, Habit Allowance, free feeding, and operation-specific bonuses.
Troops in areas like Operation HADIN KAI in the North East receive additional entitlements “designed to support their welfare and enhance operational effectiveness.”
The statement rejected portrayals of soldiers getting “no additional benefits beyond basic salary” as “misleading and inaccurate.”
On protective gear, the Army categorically denied claims that soldiers must buy their own uniforms, bulletproof vests, or helmets.
“The provision of uniforms, kits, arms, ammunition, and operational gear is an institutional responsibility executed through established logistics systems,” it affirmed, with dedicated units handling issuance.
While some may voluntarily supplement gear, “no soldier is deployed to an operational theatre without the necessary protective equipment,” and suggestions otherwise are “deliberate falsehoods intended to mislead the public” that “undermine public confidence and troop morale.”
The Army reiterated its commitment to “the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and troop welfare,” with postings guided by “strategic and operational requirements
