‘If Ministers, Others Politicians Send Their Children To Join Nigerian Army, Many Things Will Change,’ Says Soldier
Dismissed Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, has questioned why children of political elites are not enlisted in the Nigerian Army, arguing that such participation could drive meaningful reforms within the military.
In a viral video, Olamilekan reacted to reports of ongoing recruitment into the armed forces, describing the exercise as commendable but raising concerns about fairness and transparency.
“I’m seeing some news online that the military is recruiting new people, and it’s very good,” he said. “But I’m still asking: why are politicians’ children not joining them?”
He further questioned why political office holders, including ministers, lawmakers and local government officials, do not allow their children to enlist.
The former lance corporal suggested that the absence of elite participation contributes to systemic issues within the military.
“If politicians send their children to join the army, many things will change in this country,” he added. “Suffering will reduce, and a lot will improve inside the military.”
Olamilekan previously raised similar concerns, saying they were rooted in his personal experiences and the conditions faced by soldiers, including ongoing losses in counter-insurgency operations.
“The way I keep losing my colleagues brings tears to my eyes every day,” he had said in a previous video.
He also referenced welfare concerns, previously challenging the Nigerian Army to make its payroll public and presenting bank transaction alerts which he said reflected modest earnings by soldiers.
Olamilekan was recently dismissed for alleged indiscipline and violation of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy.
Following the Army’s dismissal of his earlier claims as false and misleading, he insisted that his statements were factual.
“I am not trying to spoil the Nigerian Army’s image or make people look at them as if they are not good. But I am just speaking the facts and I will be backing them with evidence,” he said.
He maintained that reforms within the military would be more likely if those in power had direct personal stakes in the system, particularly through the participation of their own family members.
