A dismissed Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, has called on the Nigerian Army to publish its payroll amid growing controversy over his claims regarding soldiers’ welfare and pay structure.
Olamilekan, a former lance corporal, made the demand in a video shared on Tuesday, shortly after the Army dismissed his earlier allegations as false and misleading.
In the video, he presented bank transaction alerts which he said reflected his earnings during active service. He pointed to a monthly salary of N112,061.59, alongside a N20,000 “grumbling allowance,” a N45,000 operational allowance for troops deployed to conflict zones such as Maiduguri, and a N6,000 security allowance.
He explained that soldiers not deployed to operational areas receive only their base salary and the N20,000 allowance, stressing that operational payments are conditional and not permanent benefits.
Olamilekan also alleged that some personnel are compelled to purchase personal protective equipment, including helmets and fragmentation jackets, out of pocket.
He said in Pidgin, translated as follows, “I have been seeing some trends online about the interview I granted, and I noticed that the Nigerian Army has countered it, saying it is false. It is not as if I am trying to damage the image of the Nigerian Army or make it look bad. No. I am simply stating the facts, and I will back them up with evidence.
“This receipt is my salary. The second one is the N20,000 I mentioned. There is another one, the operational allowance. If you are in Maiduguri or deployed there, that is when you receive it. If you are not on operation, you will not be paid that allowance. The one you can see above is N45,000. There is also another one, a cigarette allowance, which is N6,000. Both the operational and cigarette allowances are only paid when you are on operation.
“So, if they say I am lying about the issue of uniforms, if you have a friend or relative in the Army, call them and ask whether I am telling the truth.”
He maintained that his intention was not to tarnish the Army’s image but to present what he described as verifiable facts, urging Nigerians to confirm his claims through serving personnel. However, the bank alerts he displayed could not be independently verified.
Who Is Rotimi Olamilekan
Rotimi Olamilekan is a former lance corporal in the Nigerian Army who recently gained national attention following viral videos where he spoke about conditions within the military. Known online as “Soja Boi,” he has used social media platforms to share his experiences on soldiers’ welfare, pay structure, and operational realities.
According to official military statements, he was dismissed from service over alleged violations of military regulations, including breaches of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy and acts considered inconsistent with the Army’s code of conduct. His case has since sparked public debate on transparency, discipline, and welfare within Nigeria’s armed forces.
What The Nigerian Army Is saying
The Nigerian Army has strongly denied Olamilekan’s claims, particularly the assertion that soldiers purchase uniforms and protective gear.
Reacting to the viral allegations, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, stated that the Army places high priority on the welfare, safety, and operational readiness of its personnel.
She explained that uniforms, weapons, and protective equipment are provided through established logistics systems managed by dedicated ordnance units.
“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 assertion that troops operate without protective gear is not only false but also reckless, as it undermines public confidence and troop morale.”
Anele urged the public to disregard what she described as “baseless allegations,” adding that no soldier is deployed without proper equipment.
“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.”
On Olamilekan’s dismissal, she clarified that it was not related to whistleblowing but to disciplinary breaches.
“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.”
Addressing salary concerns, she noted that the Army operates a structured remuneration system guided by the Manual of Financial Administration for Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA), with allowances tied to rank, service years, and deployment status.
“Furthermore, troops deployed on operations or assigned to duties outside their units receive Ration Cash Allowance, 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. The portrayal of soldiers as receiving no additional benefits beyond basic salary is therefore misleading and inaccurate.”
What’s Next
The dispute is expected to remain in the public spotlight as both sides stand firmly by their positions. The Nigerian Army has called for restraint and urged the media to rely on verified official sources, while Olamilekan continues to push for transparency by challenging the institution to release its payroll records.
With the issue gaining traction online and among the public, attention is likely to shift toward whether further clarifications, investigations, or policy responses will emerge from military authorities or oversight bodies.
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