Nigerian Army Denies Claims Soldiers Must Buy Uniforms and Protective Gear
The Nigerian Army has firmly denied allegations made by a dismissed soldier, ex-Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, that personnel are required to purchase their own uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets. In a statement released on Tuesday, the Army labeled these claims as entirely false and reckless, emphasizing its commitment to the welfare and safety of its troops.
Institutional Responsibility for Equipment Provision
Col. Appolonia Anele, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, clarified that the provision of uniforms, kits, arms, ammunition, and operational gear is an institutional responsibility managed through established logistics systems. Dedicated ordnance units oversee the procurement, storage, and issuance of these items to ensure troops are adequately equipped for operations. While some personnel may choose to supplement issued kits based on personal preference and comfort, such actions are voluntary and do not indicate any systemic failure.
The assertion that troops operate without protective gear is not only false but also undermines public confidence and troop morale, Anele stated. She urged the public to disregard these baseless allegations, which she said are intended to misinform and generate unwarranted sympathy.
Clarifications on Deployment and Dismissal
Anele further clarified that no soldier is deployed to an operational theatre without the necessary protective equipment. Claims that such gear is only issued during ceremonial visits are deliberate falsehoods intended to mislead the public. The Nigerian Army remains committed to the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and troop welfare, with operational decisions regarding postings and deployments guided strictly by strategic and operational requirements.
Regarding Olamilekan's dismissal, Anele explained that he was not dismissed for speaking the truth or expressing opinions on political leadership. Instead, his dismissal followed persistent and grave acts of indiscipline, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy. Like all professional militaries, the Nigerian Army operates under a strict Code of Conduct and the Armed Forces Act, with unauthorized media appearances and misuse of military uniform constituting clear breaches of established regulations.
Transparent Salary and Allowance System
On the issue of remuneration, Anele detailed that the Army operates a well-structured and transparent salary system, where earnings are determined by rank and years of service, as stipulated in the Manual of Financial Administration for Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA). In addition to consolidated monthly salaries, personnel are entitled to uniform allowances and other allowances, which are periodically paid directly into their accounts.
Furthermore, troops deployed on operations or assigned to duties outside their units receive Ration Cash Allowance, Habit Allowance, in addition to free feeding arrangements, she said. Personnel serving in operational theatres, such as Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, are also paid operational allowances and other mission-specific entitlements designed to support their welfare and enhance operational effectiveness. The portrayal of soldiers as receiving no additional benefits beyond basic salary is therefore misleading and inaccurate.
Call for Responsible Reporting
Anele urged citizens to refrain from amplifying unverified claims that may undermine institutions and advised those inclined to support such narratives to desist, as they are founded on falsehoods and capable of weakening troop morale and national security efforts. She reaffirmed the Army's steadfast commitment to national security and the welfare of its personnel, while also calling on the media to verify information from credible official sources before publication.
