The Nigerian Army has refuted claims made by a former soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, alleging that personnel are responsible for purchasing their own uniforms and protective gear.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, described the allegations as inaccurate and misleading, stressing that the welfare and equipment needs of troops are adequately handled by the institution.
The response followed a widely circulated interview in which Olamilekan, also known as Soja Boi, claimed that soldiers, despite earning modest wages, personally fund the purchase of items such as uniforms, boots, and bulletproof vests.
Addressing concerns over pay, the Army explained that its salary structure is both organised and transparent, with personnel receiving additional financial benefits beyond their monthly earnings.
“In addition to consolidated monthly salaries, personnel are entitled to uniform allowances and other allowances, which are periodically paid directly into their accounts,” it said.
It further noted that soldiers deployed to operational areas receive extra financial support.
“Personnel serving in operational theatres… are also paid operational allowances and other mission-specific entitlements designed to support their welfare and enhance operational effectiveness,” the statement added.
The Army firmly rejected the central claim that troops are required to procure their own kits and protective equipment.
“The claim that soldiers are required to purchase uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, is entirely false.
The provision of uniforms, kits, arms, ammunition, and operational gear is an institutional responsibility executed through established logistics systems,” it stated.
While acknowledging that some personnel may choose to enhance their kits for personal comfort, it emphasised that such decisions are optional and do not reflect systemic shortcomings.
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“While some personnel may choose to supplement issued kits based on personal preference and comfort, such actions are voluntary and do not indicate any systemic failure,” the Army said.
The statement also reassured the public that no soldier is sent into operations without proper protective gear.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no soldier is deployed to an operational theatre without the necessary protective equipment,” it added.
Calling on the public to ignore the claims, the Army warned that spreading unverified information could negatively affect morale and national security.
“The public is requested to disregard these baseless allegations… Citizens are urged to refrain from amplifying unverified claims that may undermine these institutions,” the statement said.
Reacting to the circumstances surrounding Olamilekan’s dismissal, the Army clarified that his exit from service was due to disciplinary violations rather than his public statements.
“The Nigerian Army categorically states that Mr Olamilekan was not dismissed for ‘speaking the truth’ or expressing opinions on political leadership.
He was dismissed following persistent and grave acts of indiscipline, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy,” the statement read.
It added that his actions, including unauthorised media appearances and misuse of military identity, contravened established regulations.
Olamilekan had earlier claimed in an interview that soldiers earned between N51,000 and N111,000 and were responsible for purchasing essential gear, sparking widespread reactions online.