Dismissed Soldier Challenges Nigerian Army on Pay Claims

Olamilekan, a former Lance Corporal in the Nigerian Army, has publicly challenged the Army to disclose its payroll after sharing bank transaction alerts that he claims demonstrate his modest salary. In a video posted on Tuesday, he displayed three alerts showing payments he received: a monthly salary of ₦112,061.59 on February 2, 2026, a ₦20,000 payment on February 4, 2026, and a ₦45,000 operational allowance on November 4, 2025, while stationed in Maiduguri.

Olamilekan argues that soldiers often have to purchase their own protective equipment. The Nigerian Army responded by labeling his claims as baseless and stated that all personnel are provided with adequate protective gear and that soldiers receive consolidated monthly salaries and allowances directly to their bank accounts.

Olamilekan gained attention in February 2026 for a viral video criticizing government officials for sending their children abroad instead of serving in the military, which led to his arrest and subsequent dismissal due to repeated acts of indiscipline.