Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, also known as Soja Boi, has shared details of a difficult and traumatic experience following his dismissal from the Nigerian Army.
Olamilekan went viral in 2025 after urging politicians to send their own children to the battlefield to understand the risks soldiers face.
Reflecting on his detention, he said:
“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 him or her some money, but it is not possible.”
He also spoke about the financial struggles faced by soldiers: “My last salary as a lance corporal was #109,000. Apart from the salary, there is a money N20,000 for another purpose. Basically, a soldier’s salary does not amount to a hundred dollars.
Yes, they provide accommodation, but you would notice that some soldiers have to sleep in the barracks because they do not own a house. Why I had to leave the work was because of the financial aspect. I have two kids who attend private schools, a younger sister who is also schooling and a mother.
There is a lot to do, and imagine if there is no more to cope with and provide basic needs, especially if I have to wait for the salary to come. I have to have more earnings.
There is no freedom; you still have to keep working, but the pay is low.”
Olamilekan’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by soldiers in Nigeria, especially regarding welfare and financial constraints.