Soldiers Buy Own Gear Amid Low Salaries, Ex-Corporal Claims

Rotimi Olamilekan, a former corporal in the Nigerian Army's 81 Division Task Force Battalion in Borno State, disclosed during an interview on the Honest Brunch podcast with activist Omoyele Sowore that soldiers are often required to buy their own uniforms and boots. He stated that the monthly salary of soldiers, which ranges from N51,000 to N109,000, is insufficient to cover these costs, with uniforms costing approximately N55,000 and boots around N60,000.

Olamilekan also claimed that essential protective gear, such as bulletproof vests and helmets, is rarely provided, forcing soldiers to borrow equipment temporarily during official visits. He recounted his four-year service in Maiduguri, noting that standard rotation timelines were not adhered to, as he served for four years and nine months.

His earlier viral video in February 2026, which called for political leaders to allow their children to join the military, led to his arrest and subsequent release, sparking the #FreeSojaBoi campaign online.