JUST IN: Nigerian Army reacts to viral interview by dismissed soldier, says allegations misleading
The Nigerian Army has declared that the allegations made by Rotimi Olamilekan, a dismissed lance corporal popularly known as “Soja Boi”, in a viral interview are misleading and false.
In a statement issued on April 7, ColoAppolonia Anele, spokesperson of the Army, said the former soldier was dismissed for persistent acts of indiscipline and violations of military regulations.
The Army said Olamilekan’s dismissal was not connected to any claim of “speaking the truth” or expressing political opinions.
Part of the statement read: “The Nigerian Army categorically states that Mr. Olamilekan was not dismissed for ‘speaking the truth’ or expressing opinions on political leadership.
“He was dismissed following persistent and grave acts of indiscipline, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy.”
The Army said unauthorised media appearances, commercialisation of military identity, partisan content creation and misuse of military uniform constitute breaches of military regulations.
The statement said Olamilekan’s dismissal followed due process and rejected claims that soldiers receive only basic salaries without additional benefits.
“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),” the Army said.
The statement added that soldiers are entitled to uniform allowances and other entitlements paid directly into their accounts.
“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.
“The claim that soldiers are required to purchase uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, is entirely false,” the statement further revealed.
The Army said uniforms, kits, arms, ammunition and operational gear are issued through established logistics systems overseen by ordnance units.
The Army stated that the claim that soldiers are deployed without protective gear is misleading and damaging.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no soldier is deployed to an operational theatre without the necessary protective equipment.
“Claims that such gear is only issued during ceremonial visits are deliberate falsehoods intended to mislead the public.
“Therefore, the public is requested to disregard these baseless allegations, which are clearly intended to misinform and generate unwarranted sympathy,” the statement concluded.
