Nigerian Army Denies Ex-Soldier's Equipment Claims

The Nigerian Army has firmly rejected allegations from a dismissed former soldier that its personnel must purchase their own uniforms and protective equipment despite modest salaries, calling the claims false and potentially damaging to troop morale. The denial, issued on Tuesday by Colonel Appolonia Anele, acting director of Army Public Relations, came in response to a viral interview by Rotimi Olamilekan, known online as Soja Boi, who served as a lance corporal with the 81 Division Task Force Battalion in Borno State.

Olamilekan, who was discharged in March, detailed his experiences during an appearance on the Honest Brunch Podcast alongside activist Omoyele Sowore. He claimed soldiers receive salaries ranging from 51,000 naira before a recent increase to about 109,000 to 111,000 naira monthly, plus limited allowances totaling around 70,000 naira previously. "The suffer no be small. Apart from the salary, nothing more," he said, describing the financial strain. He alleged that basic items like uniforms, costing about 55,000 naira, and boots, up to 60,000 naira per pair, are not provided and must be bought personally. Protective gear such as bulletproof vests and helmets, he...