A Nigerian soldier, Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, widely known as Soja Boi, has spoken out about what he describes as a difficult and traumatic experience following his dismissal from the army.
Olamilekan drew national attention in 2025 after a video of him went viral, in which he challenged politicians to send their own children to the frontlines to understand the realities 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.
“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.”
