The Nigerian Army has clarified the circumstances surrounding the dismissal of a former soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, stating that his removal from service was due to repeated acts of indiscipline and not his viral criticism of political leaders.

Olamilekan had stirred widespread reactions after a video surfaced in February 2026, in which he called on governors, senators and ministers to send their children to join the military, particularly at the lower ranks, to understand the realities faced by soldiers on the frontlines.

The dismissed Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi in an announcement flyer…Credit: Instagram/ Soja Boi

Reacting to the development, the Army, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, dismissed claims that he was punished for speaking out.

“The Nigerian Army categorically states that Mr Olamilekan was not dismissed for ‘speaking the truth’ or expressing opinions on political leadership.

“He was dismissed following persistent and grave acts of indiscipline, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy,” the statement read.

The Army explained that as a professional institution, it operates within clearly defined rules and regulations that guide the conduct of its personnel, noting that Olamilekan’s actions contravened several of these provisions.

“Like all professional militaries, the Nigerian Army operates under a strict Code of Conduct and the Armed Forces Act. Unauthorised media appearances, commercialisation of military identity, partisan content creation and misuse of military uniform constitute clear breaches of established regulations.

“His dismissal followed due process in line with military laws,” the statement added.

The Army further stressed that it remains committed to discipline, accountability and the welfare of its personnel, noting that operational decisions, including postings and deployments, are guided strictly by strategic considerations.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and troop welfare. Operational decisions regarding postings and deployments are guided strictly by strategic and operational requirements,” it stated.

The dismissed Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi…Credit: Instagram/ Soja Boi

While urging the public to disregard contrary narratives, the Army described the circulating claims as deliberate attempts to misinform and attract sympathy.

“Therefore, the public is requested to disregard these baseless allegations, which are clearly intended to misinform and generate unwarranted sympathy,” the statement said.

It also cautioned Nigerians against amplifying unverified information that could undermine public confidence in the military and affect morale.

“The Nigerian Army emphasises the need for sustained public support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies, whose personnel continue to make significant sacrifices in defence of the nation. Citizens are urged to refrain from amplifying unverified claims that may undermine these institutions.

“Those inclined to support such narratives are advised to desist, as they are founded on falsehoods and are capable of weakening troop morale and national security efforts,” the statement further read.

Olamilekan had gone viral in February 2026 after releasing a video in which he criticised the treatment of soldiers and challenged political officeholders to allow their children experience military service firsthand.

“In this country, we have 36 governors, we have senators, we have ministers. Let each one of them bring their son to join the Nigerian Army. May they join the Nigerian Army, not even the officer, may they join the other rank,” he said.

He added that such exposure would help political leaders understand the realities faced by troops on the frontlines.

“So that they can come and witness what we dey witness. Every day, this killing is too much,” he stated.

Following the video, his management alleged that he was arrested and detained for several weeks, during which he reportedly spent his birthday in custody, a development that triggered the #FreeSojaBoi campaign across social media platforms.

After regaining his freedom in March 2026, Olamilekan took to Instagram to appreciate supporters for their advocacy.

“We are grateful to everyone who stood up, spoke out, and used their platforms to demand fairness. Your voices were heard,” he wrote.

“To friends, family, fans, and supporters across different platforms, thank you for your unwavering support during this difficult time. Your reposts, tags, messages, and concern meant everything. You showed that unity and collective voice still matter,” he added.

Despite the Army’s position, the dismissed soldier maintained that his removal from service was connected to the viral video.

“I was arrested and dismissed as a Nigerian soldier because of a video I made last year, where I called on politicians’ children to join the military,” he said.

Before his dismissal, Olamilekan had built a strong online following as a content creator, often sharing comedic and lifestyle videos while dressed in military attire.

He also runs a clothing brand, Giran Wears, which focuses on customised streetwear. (PUNCH)

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