The army has refuted allegations that soldiers purchase uniforms and protective gear with personal funds, describing the claim as inaccurate and misleading.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, said the military provides all essential kits to its personnel through established logistics systems.
The response followed a viral interview by a former soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, also known as Soja Boi, who alleged that troops fund items such as uniforms, boots, and bulletproof vests despite earning modest salaries.
Addressing the claims, the army maintained that its remuneration structure is organised and transparent, with soldiers receiving salaries alongside uniform and other allowances paid directly into their accounts.
It added that troops deployed to operational areas are entitled to additional mission-specific benefits.
“The claim that soldiers are required to purchase uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, is entirely false,” the statement said, stressing that the provision of such items remains the responsibility of the institution.
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The army, however, acknowledged that some personnel may choose to supplement issued kits for personal comfort, noting that such decisions are optional and do not reflect any systemic shortfall.
It further emphasised that no soldier is deployed without adequate protective gear.
The statement urged the public to disregard what it described as baseless allegations, warning that spreading unverified claims could negatively impact morale and national security.
Reacting to Olamilekan’s dismissal, the army clarified that he was discharged over repeated acts of indiscipline, including breaches of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy, and not for expressing personal views.
Olamilekan had earlier claimed that soldiers earn between ₦51,000 and ₦111,000 monthly and are responsible for purchasing essential gear, an assertion that has since generated widespread debate online.
