‘Deliberate Falsehoods’ — Army Rejects Ex-soldier’s Claims of Poor Welfare, Low Pay

The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of poor welfare, low pay and lack of equipment made by a dismissed soldier. 

The response follows a viral interview featuring Rotimi Olamilekan, a dismissed lance corporal, also known as “Soja Boi”, who spoke on The Honest Bunch Podcast alongside Omoyele Sowore, the activist.

In the interview, Olamilekan alleged that his earnings were “extremely low” and the last salary he collected before he was dismissed was N109,000.

He also raised concerns about soldiers’ welfare, including remuneration and the provision of uniforms and protective equipment.

Olamilekan said he was arrested and dismissed after recording and sharing a video last year in which he urged politicians to send their children to join the military.

However, in a statement on Tuesday, the Nigerian Army said Olamilekan was not dismissed for “speaking the truth” or for “expressing opinions on political leadership” but for “persistent and grave acts of indiscipline”, including breaches of the Armed Forces’ social media policy.

“Like all professional militaries, the Nigerian Army operates under a strict Code of Conduct and the Armed Forces Act. Unauthorised media appearances, commercialisation of military identity, partisan content creation and misuse of military uniform constitute clear breaches of established regulations. His dismissal followed due process in line with military laws,” the statement reads. 

“On the issue of remuneration, the Nigerian Army operates a well-structured and transparent salary system, where earnings are determined by rank and years of service, as clearly stipulated in the Manual of Financial Administration for  Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA). 

“In addition to consolidated monthly salaries, personnel are entitled to uniform allowances and other allowances, which are periodically paid directly into their accounts.”

The army said troops on operations or posted outside their units receive various allowances, including Ration Cash and Habit Allowances, along with free meals.

The army noted that those serving in operational theatres, such as Operation Hadin Kai in the north-east, are also entitled to mission-specific benefits to support their welfare and operational effectiveness.

They army also described claims that soldiers receive no benefits beyond their basic salary as misleading.

“The claim that soldiers are required to purchase uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, is entirely false. The Nigerian Army prioritises the welfare, safety, and force protection of its personnel,” the statement added.

“The provision of uniforms, kits, arms, ammunition, and operational gear is an institutional responsibility executed through established logistics systems. Dedicated ordnance units oversee the procurement, storage, and issuance of these items to ensure troops are adequately equipped for operations. 

“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 army said claims that troops operate without protective gear are “false and reckless”, undermining public confidence and morale.

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The statement added that no soldier is deployed to an operational theatre without the necessary equipment, and allegations that gear is only issued for ceremonial visits are “deliberate falsehoods”.