Nigerian Army Denies Viral Claims on Soldiers Purchasing Uniforms and Protective Gear
The Nigerian Army has issued a strong rebuttal to allegations made by a dismissed former soldier, ex-Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, who claimed that soldiers are forced to buy their own uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets. In a statement released by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army labeled these assertions as entirely false and reckless, emphasizing its commitment to the welfare, safety, and force protection of all personnel.
Institutional Responsibility for Equipment Provision
Colonel Anele clarified that the provision of uniforms, kits, arms, ammunition, and operational gear is an institutional responsibility handled through established logistics systems. Dedicated ordnance units are tasked with the procurement, storage, and issuance of these items to ensure troops are adequately equipped for all operations. While some personnel may choose to supplement issued kits based on personal preference and comfort, such actions are voluntary and do not indicate any systemic failure in the Army's supply chain.
The statement stressed: "The assertion that troops operate without protective gear is not only false but also reckless, as it undermines public confidence and troop morale." Anele urged the public to disregard these "baseless allegations," which she said are clearly intended to misinform and generate unwarranted sympathy.
Clarification on Deployment and Dismissal
For the avoidance of doubt, Anele affirmed that no soldier is deployed to an operational theatre without the necessary protective equipment. Claims that such gear is only issued during ceremonial visits were described as deliberate falsehoods aimed at misleading the public. The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and troop welfare, with operational decisions regarding postings and deployments guided strictly by strategic and operational requirements.
Regarding the dismissal of ex-Lance Corporal Olamilekan, Anele clarified that he was not dismissed for "speaking the truth" or expressing opinions on political leadership. Instead, his dismissal followed persistent and grave acts of indiscipline, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy. Like all professional militaries, the Nigerian Army operates under a strict Code of Conduct and the Armed Forces Act, where unauthorized media appearances, commercialization of military identity, partisan content creation, and misuse of military uniform constitute clear breaches of established regulations.
Transparency in Remuneration and Allowances
On the issue of remuneration, Colonel Anele explained that the Army operates a well-structured and transparent salary system, where earnings are determined by rank and years of service, as clearly stipulated in the Manual of Financial Administration for Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA). In addition to consolidated monthly salaries, personnel are entitled to uniform allowances and other allowances, which are periodically paid directly into their accounts.
Furthermore, troops deployed on operations or assigned to duties outside their units receive Ration Cash Allowance, Habit Allowance, in addition to free feeding arrangements. Personnel serving in operational theatres, such as Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, are also paid operational allowances and other mission-specific entitlements designed to support their welfare and enhance operational effectiveness. The portrayal of soldiers as receiving no additional benefits beyond basic salary was therefore labeled as misleading and inaccurate.
Call for Responsible Reporting and Public Support
Anele urged citizens to refrain from amplifying unverified claims that may undermine national institutions. "Those inclined to support such narratives are advised to desist, as they are founded on falsehoods and are capable of weakening troop morale and national security efforts," she said, reaffirming the Army's steadfast commitment to national security and the welfare of its personnel. She also called on the media to verify information from credible official sources before publication to ensure accurate reporting and maintain public trust.
