A former Nigerian soldier, Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, has spoken out about what he described as a harsh and traumatic experience following his dismissal from the Army.
Olamilekan, who went viral in 2025 after urging politicians to send their children to the battlefield, said his comments were driven by frustration over poor welfare and conditions faced by soldiers.
“If I am to advise the government, I would only advise them to improve soldiers’ welfare. A soldier should be able to see a hungry civilian and give support, but it is not possible,” he said.
Recounting his experience, he said he spent about a month in detention before his dismissal from service, describing the period as difficult and dehumanising.
He also raised concerns over remuneration, noting that his last monthly salary as a lance corporal was about ₦109,000, with an additional ₦20,000 allowance.
“Basically, a soldier’s salary does not amount to a hundred dollars,” he said.
While acknowledging that accommodation is provided, Olamilekan said many soldiers still struggle, with some forced to remain in barracks due to financial constraints.
He said the pressure of supporting his family — including two children in private school, a younger sibling and his mother — contributed to his decision to leave the military.
“There is a lot to do, and sometimes you have to wait for salary before meeting basic needs. I had to look for other means of survival,” he said.
Olamilekan added that beyond financial challenges, the lack of personal freedom within the system further compounded the difficulties faced by personnel.
“There is no freedom; you still have to keep working, but the pay is low,” he said.
His remarks have reignited conversations around the welfare of Nigerian soldiers and the broader conditions within the country’s armed forces.
