Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
ABUJA, NIGERIA — In a remarkable development that has stirred national debate about freedom of expression, military discipline, and the welfare of Nigerian troops, Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, a formerly serving soldier, has publicly detailed his arrest, detention, and subsequent dismissal from the Nigerian Army — actions he says followed his viral call on politicians to allow their children to join the armed forces and confront the very security threats the country faces. The extended account of his ordeal, emerging this week, reveals a story that has resonated deeply across social, political, and civil society arenas in Nigeria.
Olamilekan’s narrative, shared in his first comprehensive interview since leaving the service, paints a stark picture of life within the military’s disciplinary and judicial systems and raises fresh questions about how dissenting voices within the armed forces are treated. His case has become a focal point in discussions about the intersection of military discipline and fundamental rights in a democratic society.
According to the dismissed lance corporal, the controversy began with a short video he recorded and shared on social media platforms late last year. In the clip, Olamilekan addressed Nigerian political leaders — including ministers, governors, lawmakers, and local government chairmen — urging them to encourage their sons and children to enlist in the Nigerian Army and other security services and to experience firsthand the dangers that rank-and-file soldiers confront daily in conflict zones such as North-East Nigeria. His message reflected growing frustration among many frontline troops who feel overlooked by political leadership and under-supported despite facing persistent threats from armed groups.
Olamilekan, who joined the Nigerian Army in 2018, said he had served almost eight years with a clean record, including a prolonged deployment near Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, where the military has battled insurgents linked to Boko Haram and other extremist factions. He described witnessing the loss of colleagues and enduring difficult conditions without adequate recognition or support, a reality shared by many Nigerian soldiers engaged in counter-insurgency operations.
“I was arrested because of the video I made, saying politicians should send their sons into the army to fight terrorists,” Olamilekan said. The former serviceman said he was taken into custody directly from his duty post in the North-East, handcuffed and treated like a criminal, despite there being no allegation of battlefield misconduct or dereliction of duty.
His account describes moving between detention facilities — initially to a military guardroom in Maiduguri, and later to Abuja, the nation’s capital — where he was reportedly kept in restraints for prolonged periods and under conditions he characterises as degrading. “They moved me from Maiduguri to Abuja and back again…still locked up as if I had committed a serious crime,” he recounted. During his detention, Olamilekan said he was denied access to his phone, to his family, and to legal counsel; he alleged he was fed only twice a day with insufficient meals, adding to his distress.
The soldier’s grievances extend beyond his treatment in custody to how his case was handled within the military justice framework. Olamilekan maintained that he was not afforded a meaningful opportunity to defend himself during disciplinary proceedings. He was apparently informed of multiple charges against him, but those charges were read out only at a formal session that culminated in his discharge from service — a moment he described as both shocking and humiliating.
Olamilekan’s dismissal was publicly announced by military authorities this year. While the Nigerian Army has not released a full public statement on the specific charges, both official and media reports indicate that his actions were treated as a violation of military conduct rules, specifically for making unauthorised and public statements. The Army’s response has reiterated the need for strict discipline and control of information and commentary from service members, particularly on platforms with wide reach.
The timing of Olamilekan’s video and the military’s reaction comes amid ongoing national debates about the welfare and morale of troops, the prolonged insurgency in the North-East, and broader questions about how political leaders relate to the realities faced by security personnel. Nigeria has for years grappled with conflicts involving terrorist groups and armed bandits, claiming significant lives and resources. These challenges have highlighted issues such as training, deployment conditions, equipment shortages, and political oversight — concerns shared by veterans, rights advocates, and ordinary citizens alike.
Public reaction to Olamilekan’s treatment has been divided. On social media and within civil society networks, many Nigerians have expressed sympathy for him, framing his message not as insubordination but as a candid appeal born of frontline experience. Some commentators have argued that his call underscored a glaring disconnect between political leadership and the soldiers who bear the physical and psychological brunt of the country’s security struggles. Others have praised his courage in publicly articulating frustrations that many believe are widely felt but seldom voiced.
Conversely, advocates for military discipline have pointed out that the armed forces must maintain strict internal control to safeguard operational security and cohesion. In this view, soldiers making public pronouncements on policy or political issues can compromise unity and invite undue controversy, particularly in a country grappling with volatile security threats. Such debates have raised broader questions about where the line should be drawn between personal expression and professional obligation for members of the armed services.
Human rights organisations and legal experts have also weighed in, some calling for an independent review of Olamilekan’s dismissal and treatment in detention. They argue that while the military must enforce discipline, there should be transparency, fairness, and respect for due process — especially given the gravity of the punishment and the fundamental rights at stake. These voices stress that Olamilekan’s case could set an important legal and institutional precedent for how dissent and advocacy are handled within the ranks of Nigeria’s security institutions.
For his part, Olamilekan has vowed to pursue all available legal avenues to challenge his dismissal and secure redress. He has appealed to Nigerians, rights groups, and international observers to support his fight for what he describes as fairness and justice — not just for himself, but for the many who serve without adequate voice or recognition.
“I never expected this,” he said. “If a soldier who has given years of his life to this country cannot speak about these issues, then something is fundamentally wrong.” His story continues to spark discussions about the balance between military discipline and the rights of individuals in uniform — a topic that touches the core of democratic governance and institutional accountability in Nigeria today.
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