I spent month in detention for saying politicians should send sons to military – Dismissed soldier

A Nigerian soldier, Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly called Soja Boi, has gone public with details of what he describes as a harsh and traumatic ordeal after his dismissal from the army.

Olamilekan made a viral video in 2025 urging politicians to send their own children to the battlefield to experience the dangers soldiers face.

“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.

“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.”