The Nigerian Army have refuted the claims that soldiers buy uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, as entirely false.
Reacting to the claim made by a dismissed soldier – ex-Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan Aka Soja Boi ,which has gone viral, the Army said it prioritised the welfare, safety, and force protection of its personnel.
In a statement, Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, informed that the Army maintained that the provision of uniforms, kits, arms, ammunition, and operational gear is an institutional responsibility executed through established logistics systems.
‘Dedicated ordnance units oversee the procurement, storage, and issuance of these items to ensure troops are adequately equipped for operations.
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 assertion that troops operate without protective gear is not only false but also reckless, as it undermines public confidence and troop morale’.
Anele urged the public to disregard those ‘baseless allegations’, saying that they ‘are clearly intended to misinform and generate unwarranted sympathy’.
She added: ‘For the avoidance of doubt, no soldier is deployed to an operational theatre without the necessary protective equipment. Claims that such gear is only issued during ceremonial visits are deliberate falsehoods intended to mislead the public.
‘The Nigerian Army remains committed to the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and troop welfare. Operational decisions regarding postings and deployments are guided strictly by strategic and operational requirements’.
Anele further urged the citizens to refrain from amplifying unverified claims that may undermine the institutions.
‘Those inclined to support such narratives are advised to desist, as they are founded on falsehoods and are capable of weakening troop morale and national security efforts’, she said, reaffirming the Army’s steadfast commitment to national security and the welfare of its personnel.
She also urged the media to verify information from credible official sources before publication.
Anele clarified that Olamilekan was not dismissed for ‘speaking the truth’ or expressing opinions on political leadership, pointing out that he was dismissed following persistent and grave acts of indiscipline, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy.
‘Like all professional militaries, the Nigerian Army operates under a strict Code of Conduct and the Armed Forces Act. Unauthorised media appearances, commercialisation of military identity, partisan content creation and misuse of military uniform constitute clear breaches of established regulations. His dismissal followed due process in line with military laws’.
On the issue of remuneration, she said the Army operates a well-structured and transparent salary system, where earnings are determined by rank and years of service, as clearly stipulated in the Manual of Financial Administration for Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA).
She said in addition to consolidated monthly salaries, personnel are entitled to uniform allowances and other allowances, which are periodically paid directly into their accounts.
‘Furthermore, troops deployed on operations or assigned to duties outside their units receive Ration Cash Allowance, Habit Allowance, in addition to free feeding arrangements.
‘Personnel serving in operational theatres, such as Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, are also paid operational allowances and other mission-specific entitlements designed to support their welfare and enhance operational effectiveness. The portrayal of soldiers as receiving no additional benefits beyond basic salary is therefore misleading and inaccurate’.
