Dismissal of Lance Corporal Olamilekan followed due process - Army
The Nigerian Army says it did not dismiss Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan for “speaking the truth” or expressing opinions on political leadership, but for persistent and grave acts of indiscipline,
- From Musa Umar Bologi, Abuja
The Nigerian Army says it did not dismiss Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan for “speaking the truth” or expressing opinions on political leadership, but for persistent and grave acts of indiscipline, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy.
It said dismissal followed “due process in line with military laws.”
The Army's spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, said this in a statement on Monday.
“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,” she said.
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Olamilekan, popularly known as “Soja Boi,” had, in an interview, made allegations regarding welfare, remuneration, and the provision of uniforms and protective equipment for Nigerian Army personnel.
He alleged that soldiers on operations receive no additional benefits beyond basic salary, which is therefore misleading and inaccurate. Olamilekan also claimed that the claim that soldiers are required to purchase uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, is entirely false.
However, the Army's spokesperson described the allegations as “false, baseless, and clearly intended to misinform and generate unwarranted sympathy.”
On remuneration, Anele said 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).
She said that in addition to consolidated monthly salaries, personnel are entitled to uniform allowances and other allowances, which are periodically paid directly into their accounts.
According to the Army's spokesperson, troops deployed on operations or assigned to duties outside their units receive Ration Cash Allowance and Habit Allowance, in addition to free feeding arrangements. Personnel serving in operational theatres, such as Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, are also paid operational allowances and other mission-specific entitlements designed to support their welfare and enhance operational effectiveness.
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“The portrayal of soldiers as receiving no additional benefits beyond basic salary is therefore misleading and inaccurate,” Anele said
She said that the soldier’s claim that soldiers are required to purchase uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, was entirely false.
According to Anele, no soldier is deployed to an operational theatre without the necessary protective equipment; the claims that such gear is only issued during ceremonial visits are deliberate falsehoods intended to mislead the public.
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She said, “The Nigerian Army prioritises the welfare, safety, and force protection of its personnel. 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.
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“The assertion that troops operate without protective gear is not only false but also reckless, as it undermines public confidence and troop morale,” she added.
Anele reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and troop welfare.
“Operational decisions regarding postings and deployments are guided strictly by strategic and operational requirements.
“Therefore, the public is requested to disregard these baseless allegations, which are clearly intended to misinform and generate unwarranted sympathy,” she said
