Army Denies Soja Boi’s Claims Of Soldiers Buying Uniforms, Insists Troops Are Well Equipped

The Nigerian Army has dismissed claims that its personnel purchased uniforms and protective gear with their own money, describing the allegations as “false and misleading.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, said the military provided all necessary kits and ensured that troops were adequately equipped for operations.

The Army was responding to a viral interview by a dismissed soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, who alleged that personnel often buy uniforms, boots and even bulletproof vests despite earning low wages.

Refuting the claims, the Army said it operates a structured welfare and remuneration system that caters to the needs of its personnel.

“In addition to consolidated monthly salaries, personnel are entitled to uniform allowances and other allowances, which are periodically paid directly into their accounts,” the statement read.

It added that troops deployed to conflict zones receive extra compensation.

“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 also rejected suggestions that soldiers procure their own gear, insisting that uniforms, protective equipment, arms and ammunition are supplied through established logistics channels.

While acknowledging that some personnel may choose to supplement issued kits for personal comfort, it stressed that such decisions were voluntary and do not indicate any systemic failure.

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

The military further urged the public to disregard what it described as baseless allegations capable of undermining 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,” it added.

Addressing Olamilekan’s dismissal, the Army maintained that the former soldier was not sanctioned for expressing his views but for breaching military regulations.

“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.

Olamilekan had earlier claimed in a viral video that he spent months in detention after calling on politicians to send their children to join the military.