The Nigerian Army on Tuesday dismissed alleged reports circulating on social media regarding poor welfare, remuneration, and the provision of uniforms and protective equipment for its personnel by a dismissed ex-lance corporal, Rotimi Olamilekan.
DAILY POST recalls that the dismissed ex-lance corporal, Rotimi Olamilekan, during an interview on social media, criticised the Army authorities over poor welfare packages and remuneration, among other issues.
Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, described the allegations as false, adding that it had become necessary to correct the claims to prevent the public from being misled.
She stated that the Nigerian Army remained focused on its core mandate of safeguarding the nation, adding that the dismissed soldier, Ex-18NA/77/1009 Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as “Soja Boi”, was not dismissed for “speaking the truth” or expressing opinions on political leadership but was discharged following persistent and grave acts of indiscipline, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy.
“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,” Col. Anele said.
She added that 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 the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“In addition to consolidated monthly salaries, personnel are entitled to uniform allowances and other allowances, which are periodically paid directly into their accounts,” she stated.
Troops deployed on operations or assigned to duties outside their units receive Ration Cash Allowance and Habitat 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 claim that soldiers are required to purchase uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, is entirely false. 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,” she added.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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