Nigerian Army is trending because they’ve denied, but Soja Boi replied with proof.
Dismissed soldier “Soja Boi” earlier said they earn ₦51k but have to buy their own uniform (₦55k) still buy boot ₦60k, helmet, belt and bulletproof vest all out of the ₦51k salary.
And they… pic.twitter.com/ctPf0FV5A5
— Trending Explained (@TrendingEx) April 7, 2026
Background
In early 2026, a dismissed Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, widely known online as “Soja Boi” ignited a nationwide debate after publicly challenging the Nigerian military over the welfare of its personnel.
His story, delivered through viral videos and interviews, quickly gained traction, drawing strong reactions from both the public and the Nigerian Army.
What began as a personal account has since evolved into a broader national conversation about the realities of military life in Nigeria.
Olamilekan first came into the spotlight in 2025 when he released a video urging politicians to send their own children to the battlefield to understand the dangers soldiers face.
The statement struck a chord with many Nigerians, particularly at a time of economic strain and ongoing security challenges.
According to him, that moment marked the beginning of disciplinary actions against him, including detention and eventual dismissal from the army.
Nigerian Army is trending because they’ve denied, but Soja Boi replied with proof.
Dismissed soldier “Soja Boi” earlier said they earn ₦51k but have to buy their own uniform (₦55k) still buy boot ₦60k, helmet, belt and bulletproof vest all out of the ₦51k salary.
And they… pic.twitter.com/ctPf0FV5A5
— Trending Explained (@TrendingEx) April 7, 2026
Pay, Allowances, and the Reality of Earnings
Central to Olamilekan’s claims is the issue of how much Nigerian soldiers actually earn.
He has presented what he says are bank alerts from his time in service, indicating a monthly salary of just over ₦112,000.
In addition, he described receiving a ₦20,000 allowance referred to informally as a “grumbling allowance” as well as a ₦45,000 operational allowance paid only when deployed to active conflict zones such as Maiduguri.
A smaller ₦6,000 security allowance was also mentioned.
However, he emphasized that not all soldiers receive the full range of these payments.
Those not deployed to operational areas, he said, are limited to their base salary and the ₦20,000 allowance, leaving many to survive on relatively modest earnings despite the risks associated with military service.
His claims resonates with statements by another solider who took to social media to give a break down of the salary stucture of the Nigerian Army.
“A Nigerian soldier earns ₦104,000. After five years in the army, they are promoted and their salary increases to ₦112,000. After ten years, they are promoted again and earn ₦115,000, which is a ₦3,000 increase from the five-year salary. After 15 years of service, the salary… pic.twitter.com/1VUgpEjeIQ
— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) April 8, 2026
Allegations Over Equipment and Welfare
Beyond the issue of pay, Olamilekan’s most controversial statements relate to military equipment.
He alleges that soldiers are often required to purchase essential items themselves, including boots, helmets, and protective vests.
According to his account, standard-issue gear is not always consistently available and may sometimes be distributed primarily during high-profile visits or public relations exercises.
These claims have raised concerns about the safety and preparedness of frontline troops, particularly in a country facing persistent security threats.
If accurate, such practices would suggest a gap between official provisions and on-the-ground realities. However, like many aspects of the controversy, these assertions remain difficult to independently verify.
This is the video that led to his dismissal from the Nigerian Army.
Lance Corporal (Rtd) Rotimi Olamilekan, also known as Sojaboi, shares his story and explains what happened. pic.twitter.com/0xYwQCRdSH
— Bishop (@BishopPOEvang) April 6, 2026
He’s currently in the army detention/ guard room for this video.. for over 7 months now. pic.twitter.com/R6ubqzobQT
— F E E Z (@Feeztm) April 8, 2026
The Nigerian Army Pushes Back
The Nigerian Army has responded firmly, rejecting Olamilekan’s allegations and describing them as false and misleading.
In its official statements, the military insists that all personnel are adequately equipped through established logistics systems, which provide uniforms, protective gear, weapons, and ammunition.
While acknowledging that some soldiers may choose to supplement their issued kits for personal comfort, the Army maintains that such decisions are voluntary and do not indicate systemic failure.
On the issue of pay, it reiterated that a structured and consolidated salary system is in place, incorporating various allowances and benefits, particularly for those deployed to operational theatres.
The Army also addressed the circumstances surrounding Olamilekan’s dismissal, stating that it was the result of disciplinary breaches, including violations of social media policy and unauthorized public commentary.
According to the military, his removal from service was not connected to his claims about welfare.
RE: ALLEGATIONS BY DISMISSED EX-LANCE CORPORAL ROTIMI OLAMILEKAN
The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a sensationalised report circulating on social media and mainstream news platforms featuring an interview with a dismissed soldier, Ex-18NA/77/1009 Lance… pic.twitter.com/w9eIj5qQs9
— Nigerian Army (@HQNigerianArmy) April 7, 2026
Rotimi Also Responded
In a social media post, he clarified that his intention was not to disresect the military but to point out practices he described as dissatisfactory.
“I saw this afternoon that the Nigerian Army released a statement about my last interview, where I spoke about the welfare of soldiers. They said my claims were false. Here is payment evidence so you can judge for yourself. I am not trying to damage their image. I am stating… pic.twitter.com/qQdtLtNXjF
— Bishop (@BishopPOEvang) April 7, 2026
Budget Allocations and the Transparency Question
On February 16, 2026, the National Assembly declared that the 2026 budget proposal for the Nigerian Army falls short of what is required to prosecute the state of emergency declared on the sector by the President.
Tinubu Presented ₦58.18trn 2026 budget to the national assembly, with defence taking ₦5.41trn.
“We are terminating the habit of running three budgets in one inflow. By March 31, 2026, all capital liabilities from previous years will be fully funded and closed. From April, Nigeria will operate on a single budget.”
– President Tinubu. pic.twitter.com/UqI7aBk2Yd
— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) December 19, 2025
Speaking at a joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Army, Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, said although the allocation was commendable, it remained insufficient in view of the Federal Government’s stance on intensifying the fight against insecurity.
Despite the reservations, the joint committee approved the sum of N1.504 trillion as the 2026 budget for the Nigerian Army, as submitted by the President in December 2025.
2026 budget proposal for Army not enough to fund emergency rule – NASS https://t.co/X2ZOSua3GW pic.twitter.com/dPlPmHyW6Y
— The Nation Nigeria (@TheNationNews) February 16, 2026
The debate becomes more complex when viewed alongside publicly cited budget figures.
Data referenced in recent reporting indicates that approximately ₦2.06 billion was allocated for army uniforms in 2026 alone, with a total of about ₦12.58 billion spent on uniforms and boots between 2020 and 2026.
These figures suggest that substantial financial resources have been dedicated to equipping soldiers, which raises a critical question:
- if funding at this scale exists, why do allegations of inadequate equipment continue to surface?
- The apparent gap between budget allocations and individual experiences has become one of the most contentious aspects of the controversy.
Expert Insight: Systemic Failure or Operational Reality?
Some military experts argue that the situation may not be as straightforward as it appears. Retired Major General Henry Ayoola, a former commander of Operation Safe Haven, has pushed back against the idea that personal purchases of military gear necessarily indicate institutional failure. According to him, it is not uncommon for soldiers to acquire additional equipment to enhance comfort or effectiveness, especially in demanding operational environments.
He also noted that logistical challenges can influence how equipment is distributed, with commanders often required to prioritize available resources. In such situations, what may appear to be a lack of provision could instead reflect the complexities of managing limited supplies in active conflict zones.
https://youtu.be/M2MBZ1dNppI?si=eoN6xcLUdixWoPqh
Beyond One Soldier: The Bigger Questions
At its core, the “Soja Boi” controversy extends far beyond the story of a single dismissed soldier.
It raises fundamental questions about transparency, accountability, and the balance between discipline and free expression within the armed forces.
Should military payrolls and welfare systems be more transparent to the public?
Are allocated funds effectively reaching those on the frontlines?
And how can institutions maintain discipline while still allowing room for legitimate concerns to be raised?
Conclusion: A Story Still Unfolding
For now, both sides remain firmly entrenched in their positions. Olamilekan continues to present himself as a whistleblower exposing uncomfortable truths, while the Nigerian Army portrays him as a former soldier whose actions violated established rules.
Between these competing narratives lies a complex reality that defies simple conclusions.
What is clear, however, is that this controversy has opened up an important national conversation, on the lives, risks, and realities of those who serve on the frontlines.
Until greater transparency and independent verification are possible, the full truth may remain difficult to pin down, but the questions raised are unlikely to fade anytime soon.
