“Nigerian Army Sets the Record Straight on Ex-Soldier’s Welfare Allegations”
The Nigerian Army on Tuesday rejected purported claims circulating on social media regarding inadequate welfare, compensation, and the supply of uniforms and protective equipment for its staff by a discharged ex-lance corporal, Rotimi Olamilekan.
NAIJATAB recalls that the discharged ex-lance corporal, Rotimi Olamilekan, during a social media interview, denounced the Army leaders over inadequate welfare packages and compensation, among other matters.
In response, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, asserted that the accusations were untrue, emphasizing that it was essential to rectify the assertions to prevent the public from being deceived.
She affirmed that the Nigerian Army remained concentrated on its fundamental mission of protecting the nation, stating that the dismissed soldier, Ex-18NA/77/1009 Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, widely recognized as “Soja Boi,” was not discharged for “speaking the truth” or voicing opinions on political leadership, but was removed due to persistent and serious acts of indiscipline, including breaches of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy.
“Similar to all professional militaries, the Nigerian Army functions under a strict Code of Conduct and the Armed Forces Act. Unauthorized media appearances, commercialization of military identity, partisan content creation, and misuse of military attire constitute clear violations of established regulations,” Col. Anele stated.
She further noted that the Nigerian Army has a well-organized and transparent pay structure, where salaries are determined by rank and years of service, as explicitly outlined in the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“In addition to cumulative monthly wages, personnel are eligible for uniform allowances and other payments, which are regularly deposited directly into their accounts,” she explained.
Troops assigned to operations or tasks outside their units receive Ration Cash Allowance and Habitat Allowance, alongside complimentary feeding provisions.
Personnel deployed in operational theaters, such as Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, also receive operational allowances and other mission-specific benefits aimed at supporting their welfare and improving operational effectiveness.
“The assertion that soldiers must pay for uniforms and protective gear, including bulletproof vests and helmets, is completely untrue. The Nigerian Army places a high priority on the welfare, safety, and protection of its personnel. The provision of uniforms, equipment, arms, ammunition, and operational gear is an institutional duty carried out through established logistics frameworks,” she added.
