The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations that its personnel purchase uniforms and protective equipment with personal funds, describing the claims as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, stated that the military provides all necessary kits and ensures that troops are adequately equipped for their duties.
The response follows a viral interview by a former soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, who alleged that personnel often purchase uniforms, boots, and bulletproof vests themselves despite receiving low pay.
The Army maintained that it operates a structured salary system, noting that personnel receive consolidated monthly pay along with uniform allowances and other entitlements. It also highlighted additional benefits for troops deployed to operational theatres.
“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.
“Personnel serving in operational theatres… are also paid operational allowances and other mission-specific entitlements designed to support their welfare and enhance operational effectiveness,” it added.
The military also rejected claims that soldiers procure their own gear, insisting that uniforms, protective equipment, arms, and ammunition are supplied through established logistics systems.
While acknowledging that some personnel may choose to supplement issued kits for personal comfort, the Army stressed that such actions are voluntary and do not indicate any systemic failure.
It further emphasized that no soldier is deployed without adequate protective equipment and urged the public to disregard what it described as baseless allegations capable of undermining morale and national security.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no soldier is deployed to an operational theatre without the necessary protective equipment.
“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.
The Army also clarified that Olamilekan was dismissed due to disciplinary breaches, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy, and not for expressing his personal views.
Earlier, in a viral video, Olamilekan had claimed he spent months in detention after calling on politicians to send their children to serve in the military.
“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 concluded.
What you should know
The Nigerian Army has denied claims that soldiers purchase their own uniforms and protective gear, insisting that all necessary equipment is officially provided.
The response comes after viral allegations by a dismissed former soldier, highlighting tensions between public perception and military policy.
The Army maintains that its personnel are properly equipped and compensated, while urging citizens to avoid spreading unverified information that could affect morale and national security.
