A dismissed Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, has alleged that soldiers in the Nigerian Army are required to purchase their own uniforms and protective equipment despite earning modest salaries.
Olamilekan, a former lance corporal with service number 18NA/77/1009 LCPL who served in the 81 Division Task Force Battalion in Borno State, made the claims in an interview on the Honest Brunch Podcast with human rights activist Omoyele Sowore.
In the interview, Olamilekan detailed his earnings while in service, saying his salary was recently increased from 51,000 naira to about 109,000–111,000 naira. He said allowances brought his pre-increment total to roughly 70,000 naira, which he described as insufficient for survival.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“And how were you surviving on 71,000 naira? The suffering was extreme. Apart from the salary, nothing more. Nothing comes to you as a soldier,” he said.
He alleged that soldiers are responsible for buying their own uniforms and boots, which can cost more than a monthly salary. “The uniform is about 55,000 naira. Boots sometimes 60,000 naira a pair,” he said.
Olamilekan also claimed essential protective gear, including bulletproof vests and helmets, is rarely provided and only available during visits by high-ranking officials. “If you see a soldier wearing that gear, maybe it’s for a big visitor, like a governor. Otherwise, nobody will give you,” he said. He added that soldiers often operate in high-risk areas, such as Sambisa Forest, without adequate protection.
The former soldier said he spent more than four years in Maiduguri, Borno State, despite standard rotation timelines recommending two years. “I have done double, almost triple the rotation,” he said.
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Olamilekan first drew attention in February 2026 when a video he released went viral, criticizing the treatment of soldiers and challenging political leaders to send their children to the frontlines. “Let each of the 36 governors, senators, and ministers bring their children to join the Nigerian Army,” he said in the video, arguing that firsthand experience would make leaders understand soldiers’ realities.
Following the video, Olamilekan said he was arrested and detained for about eight weeks, spending his birthday in custody. His release in March 2026 sparked the #FreeSojaBoi campaign on social media. On Instagram, he thanked supporters, writing, “Your voices were heard. Thank you for your unwavering support during this difficult time.”
Olamilekan said his dismissal from the army was linked to the viral video. Before leaving the service, he had built a strong online presence, combining military-themed comedic and lifestyle content. He also runs a clothing brand, Giran Wears, focusing on customised streetwear.
The Nigerian Army spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anaele, said she would respond to the claims in an official statement but did not immediately confirm or deny them. “I’ll get back to you with a formal statement. You have to wait,” she said.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
