The Nigerian Army has refuted allegations made by a dismissed former soldier, Ex-Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as “Soja Boi,” describing his claims on troop welfare, remuneration, and provision of uniforms as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on April 7, 2026, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, said Olamilekan was not dismissed for “speaking the truth” but for repeated acts of indiscipline and violations of military regulations, including the Armed Forces Social Media Policy.
According to the Army, his dismissal followed due process in line with the Armed Forces Act, stressing that unauthorized media engagements, commercialization of military identity, partisan content creation, and misuse of uniform are serious breaches of military conduct.
Reacting to claims about poor remuneration, the Army maintained that it operate a structured and transparent salary system governed by the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA). It added that personnel received various allowances beyond their basic salaries, including uniform allowances, ration cash allowance, and operational benefits for those deployed to conflict zones such as Operation HADIN KAI in the North East.
The statement also dismissed assertions that soldiers are required to purchase their own uniforms or protective gear, including bulletproof vests and helmets. It emphasized that the provision of kits, arms, and operational equipment is a core institutional responsibility handled through established logistics and ordnance systems.
While acknowledging that some personnel may choose to acquire additional items for personal comfort, the Army insisted such actions are voluntary and do not reflect any systemic shortcomings.
The Army further described as “reckless” claims that troops are deployed without adequate protective equipment or that such gear is only issued during ceremonial visits, warned that such narratives could undermine public confidence and troop morale.
Reaffirming its commitment to discipline, accountability, and personnel welfare, the Army urged the public to disregard what it called baseless allegations intended to misinform and generate undue sympathy.
It also called on the media to verify information from credible official sources before publication and urged citizens not to amplify unverified claims capable of weakening national security efforts.
