‘False and misleading’ –Nigerian Army debunks viral claims of soldiers buying own uniforms

The Nigerian Army has officially refuted allegations by former soldier Rotimi Olamilekan that personnel are forced to purchase their own uniforms and protective gear, labeling the claims as false and “misleading.”

The Nigerian Army has formally dismissed allegations made by a former soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan—popularly known as “Soja Boi”—claiming that personnel are forced to purchase their uniforms and protective equipment with personal funds. In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, the military described these assertions as false and misleading. The Army maintained that the provision of essential gear, including bulletproof vests and helmets, remains a core institutional mandate managed through established logistics systems. “The claim that soldiers are required to purchase uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, is entirely false. The provision of uniforms, kits, arms, ammunition, and operational gear is an institutional responsibility executed through established logistics systems,” the statement clarified.

Addressing concerns regarding the financial welfare of its personnel, the Army defended its “structured and transparent” salary system. According to the spokesperson, soldiers receive consolidated monthly pay supplemented by specific allowances designed to cover maintenance and operational needs. “In addition to consolidated monthly salaries, personnel are entitled to uniform allowances and other allowances, which are periodically paid directly into their accounts,” the Army noted. Furthermore, the military emphasized that those serving in active combat zones receive additional mission-specific entitlements. “Personnel serving in operational theatres… are also paid operational allowances and other mission-specific entitlements designed to support their welfare and enhance operational effectiveness,” the statement added.

While the Army acknowledged that some soldiers might be seen with non-standard items, it attributed this to individual choice rather than a lack of institutional support. The military explained that while standard kits are issued to everyone, some personnel may opt to supplement these items for “personal comfort,” stressing that any such purchases are strictly voluntary. The rebuttal comes in the wake of a viral interview where Olamilekan alleged that modest salaries were being drained by the necessity of buying basic combat requirements. By issuing this direct response, the Nigerian Army aims to reassure the public and its rank-and-file of its commitment to the welfare and equipping of the troops currently engaged in various security operations across the federation.

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