By Our Correspondent

National News – A dismissed Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, has alleged that personnel in the Nigerian Army are forced to purchase their own uniforms, boots, and protective gear despite earning modest salaries.

The former lance corporal made the claims during a yet-to-be-released interview on the Honest Brunch Podcast with activist Omoyele Sowore.

According to Olamilekan, who served with the 81 Division Task Force Battalion in Borno State, many soldiers struggle to survive financially while operating in dangerous environments.

Olamilekan explained that while he was still in service before his dismissal in March 2026, his salary ranged between ₦109,000 and ₦111,000 following a recent increase.

Before the adjustment, he said soldiers were earning around ₦51,000 monthly.

He added that even with allowances, many soldiers previously survived on about ₦70,000, which he described as extremely difficult given the cost of living and the expenses soldiers allegedly bear for their own equipment.

He claimed that soldiers often buy their uniforms, boots, and other items personally.

According to him, a standard uniform can cost about ₦55,000, while a pair of military boots may cost as much as ₦60,000.

Olamilekan also alleged that essential protective equipment such as bulletproof vests and helmets are rarely provided to ordinary soldiers unless there are special visits by high-ranking officials.

Speaking about his deployment experience, the dismissed soldier said he spent more than four years in Maiduguri in Nigeria’s insurgency-affected region, even though military rotation policies typically require soldiers to be redeployed after about two years.

He claimed many troops remain in high-risk operations for longer periods while lacking adequate protection.

Olamilekan first gained national attention in February 2026 after releasing a viral video criticizing the treatment of soldiers and urging political leaders to allow their children to serve in the military so they could understand the realities faced on the front lines.

Following the video, he said he was arrested and later dismissed from the Nigerian Army.

When contacted for a response to the allegations, the Army spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anaele, said an official statement would be released after reviewing the claims.