A Nigerian soldier, Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as “Soja Boi,” has spoken publicly about what he described as a harsh and traumatic experience following his dismissal from the Nigerian Army.
Olamilekan had gone viral in 2025 after posting a video in which he urged politicians to send their own children to the battlefield to better understand the realities and dangers 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 him or her some money, but it is not possible,” he said.
He revealed that his last salary as a lance corporal was ₦109,000, with an additional ₦20,000 allowance, noting that the total income was still less than 100 dollars.
According to him, the financial strain was a major factor in his decision to leave the military.
“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,” he said.
He added that he has two children in private schools, a younger sister who is still schooling, and a mother to support, making it difficult to meet basic needs.
“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,” he explained.
Olamilekan also lamented the lack of freedom within the system, stating that despite the demanding nature of the job, the pay remains inadequate.
“There is no freedom; you still have to keep working, but the pay is low,” he added.
