By Our Correspondent
National News – The Nigerian Army has denied claims that soldiers purchase their own uniforms and protective equipment, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
The Army made the clarification on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, after a viral interview by a former soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, also known as “Soja Boi,” sparked public debate online.
In the interview, Olamilekan alleged that many Nigerian soldiers buy essential items such as uniforms, boots and bulletproof vests with their personal funds despite receiving modest salaries.
The Army, however, insisted that the responsibility for providing operational gear lies fully with the military institution.
In a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, the military said soldiers are adequately equipped through established logistics systems.
According to the Army, personnel receive consolidated salaries as well as various allowances designed to support their welfare and operational duties.
These benefits include uniform allowances and other periodic payments credited directly to soldiers’ bank accounts.
The Army further explained that troops deployed to operational theatres also receive additional operational allowances and mission-specific entitlements.
These benefits, it said, are meant to strengthen morale and ensure soldiers have the necessary support to perform their duties effectively in challenging environments.
Responding specifically to the claim that soldiers purchase protective kits, the Army stated that uniforms, operational gear, arms, ammunition and protective equipment such as helmets and bulletproof vests are officially issued to personnel.
It emphasised that the procurement and distribution of such items are part of the institution’s standard logistics and welfare responsibilities.
The statement acknowledged that some soldiers may choose to supplement their issued gear with additional items for personal comfort or preference.
However, it stressed that such actions are voluntary and do not reflect any systemic failure in the military supply system.
The Army also clarified that Olamilekan’s dismissal from service was due to repeated acts of indiscipline rather than for speaking publicly about conditions within the force.
According to the statement, his actions included unauthorised media appearances and violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy.
Authorities urged the public to disregard what they described as baseless allegations, warning that the spread of unverified claims could undermine the morale of troops and affect national security.
