The Nigerian Army has dismissed as misleading and sensational a viral report featuring a dismissed soldier, Ex Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, widely known as Soja Boi, who alleged poor welfare and inadequate equipment for troops.
The Army, in a strongly worded statement, said it was compelled to respond in order to correct what it described as deliberate falsehoods capable of misleading the public and undermining confidence in the military.
According to the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, Olamilekan was not dismissed for speaking out but for repeated acts of indiscipline and violations of established military regulations.
The statement explained that his offences included breaches of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy, unauthorised media engagements, commercial use of military identity and the misuse of uniform, all of which contravene military laws.
It stressed that his dismissal followed due process in line with the Armed Forces Act, noting that discipline remains the cornerstone of professionalism within the Nigerian Army.
On remuneration, the Army maintained that it operates a structured and transparent salary system governed by rank and years of service, as outlined in the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
It added that beyond salaries, personnel receive uniform allowances and other entitlements, which are paid directly into their accounts without delay.
The statement further clarified that troops deployed for operations benefit from additional allowances, including ration cash, feeding support and operational incentives, particularly in active theatres such as Operation Hadin Kai.
Addressing claims of inadequate equipment, the Army described as false the allegation that soldiers purchase their own uniforms or protective gear, insisting that provision of kits and operational equipment is an institutional responsibility handled through established logistics systems.
It emphasised that no soldier is deployed without appropriate protective gear, warning that contrary claims are reckless and capable of damaging troop morale and national security efforts.
The Army therefore urged the public and media to disregard the allegations, verify information from credible sources and support the Armed Forces as they continue to defend the nation under challenging conditions.