Army fires back at ex-soldier over uniform, bulletproof vest claims

The Nigerian Army has rejected claims that personnel purchase their uniforms, boots, and bulletproof vests with personal funds, describing the allegations as false and potentially damaging to national security.

The Army’s response, issued on Tuesday by Acting Director of Army Public Relations Appolonia Anele, followed a viral interview in which former soldier Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, alleged that soldiers earning between N51,000 and N111,000 monthly were left to procure essential operational gear themselves.

“The claim that soldiers are required to purchase uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, is entirely false,” the statement said. “The provision of uniforms, kits, arms, ammunition, and operational gear is an institutional responsibility executed through established logistics systems.”

On remuneration, the Army said personnel receive consolidated monthly salaries supplemented by uniform and other allowances paid directly into their accounts. Troops deployed to operational theatres, it added, are entitled to additional operational allowances and mission-specific entitlements.

The Army acknowledged that some soldiers voluntarily supplement their issued kits for personal comfort but maintained this does not reflect any systemic failure.

“For the avoidance of doubt, no soldier is deployed to an operational theatre without the necessary protective equipment,” the statement stressed.

On Olamilekan’s dismissal, the Army said he was not discharged for speaking out but for repeated acts of indiscipline, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy and unauthorised media appearances.

“He was dismissed following persistent and grave acts of indiscipline,” the statement read, adding that his misuse of military identity also contravened established regulations.

The Army urged the public to disregard the allegations, warning that amplifying unverified claims risks undermining military institutions and troop morale.