A dismissed Nigerian soldier has sparked outrage after revealing that troops are forced to buy their own uniforms, combat boots, and even bulletproof vests using their personal salaries, exposing deep welfare challenges within the Nigerian Army.
Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, also known as Sojaboi, made the disclosures during a recent appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast hosted by activist Omoyele Sowore. He was dismissed from the Nigerian Army in March 2026.
In the interview, Olamilekan detailed the financial struggles faced by soldiers:
“The last salary I collected as an ex-army before I was dismissed was ₦109,000. Before then, it was just last year February they increased it; it was ₦51,000 then, attached with the SACRS skill that they pay ₦20,000, making ₦71,000. The suffering was much. Aside from the salary, nothing more — no other means of support.”
He further claimed that the military does not adequately provide essential kits:
“They don’t give us uniforms; we buy them ourselves. Uniform is about ₦55,000, boots cost ₦60,000. Even armour and bulletproof vests, nobody will give you. If you see a soldier wearing it for free, it’s probably because there’s an occasion.”
Olamilekan also highlighted the strain of prolonged deployments, stating he spent 4 years and 9 months in Maiduguri fighting Boko Haram insurgents instead of the usual shorter tour. He lost a friend during his service.
His revelations have generated strong reactions across social media. Many Nigerians expressed shock and anger that soldiers risking their lives daily must fund their own protective gear and uniforms from already modest salaries. Others have called for urgent government intervention to improve the welfare of military personnel.
This is not the first time such allegations have surfaced. Similar complaints about soldiers purchasing their own kits have been reported in the past, raising questions about the effective use of defence budgets.
As of now, the Nigerian Army is yet to issue an official statement responding to these specific claims.
The story has once again brought the issue of military welfare to the forefront, with many hoping it will lead to genuine reforms in pay, equipment provision, and overall conditions of service for Nigerian soldiers.
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