I Was Detained For Urging Politicians To Send Sons To Warfront – 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.

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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.”