By Our Correspondent

National News – A dismissed Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, has publicly challenged the Nigerian Army over soldiers’ welfare and pay structure, presenting bank transaction alerts he says prove his claims about low salaries and the need for troops to buy their own protective gear.

Olamilekan released the video on Tuesday, April 8, 2026, hours after the Army rejected his earlier statements and described them as false and misleading.

In the video, the former lance corporal explained that he served in the Nigerian Army with service number 18NA/77/1009 before his dismissal earlier in 2026.

According to him, the purpose of releasing the receipts was to provide evidence about how soldiers are paid and to counter official claims that military personnel receive adequate allowances and equipment.

Olamilekan displayed three bank alerts which he said reflected payments made during his service.

The first alert, dated February 2, 2026, showed a credit of ₦112,061.59, which he identified as his monthly salary. Another alert dated February 4, 2026 showed a ₦20,000 payment he described as a “grumbling allowance.”

A third alert dated November 4, 2025 showed a ₦45,000 operational allowance, which he said was paid only to soldiers deployed to active conflict zones such as Maiduguri.

He further explained that operational allowances are not permanent benefits.

Soldiers receive them only when they are deployed for military operations, while those assigned to barracks duty typically receive just their monthly salary and the ₦20,000 allowance.

The former soldier also repeated his controversial claim that some troops purchase protective gear themselves.

According to him, helmets and fragmentation jackets are sometimes bought personally by soldiers, a situation he believes reflects deeper welfare issues within the military.

To support his position, Olamilekan challenged the Nigerian Army to make its payroll system public so Nigerians can verify how much soldiers earn and what allowances are paid.

He also urged citizens with relatives in the military to confirm his statements independently.

However, the Nigerian Army has rejected his allegations.

In a statement issued by Acting Director of Army Public Relations Appolonia Anaele, the Army insisted that all personnel are provided with uniforms, kits, weapons, and protective equipment through official logistics channels.

The military also stated that soldiers receive consolidated salaries alongside various allowances depending on their roles and operational assignments.