Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, a former Nigerian Army soldier who was dismissed following a viral social media video, has publicly appealed to the Nigerian Army leadership for forgiveness and a review of his case amid national attention and debate over soldiers’ welfare and freedom of expression.
The controversy began in late 2025 when Olamilekan, serving with the 81 Division Task Force Battalion in Maiduguri, Borno State, recorded and shared a heartfelt video urging Nigeria’s political leaders — including governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, ministers and local government chairmen — to allow their children to enlist in the Nigerian Army and share in the dangers faced by frontline troops combating insurgents, bandits and other security threats. In the video, Olamilekan lamented the loss of his colleagues in battle and questioned why the children of influential leaders were absent from the frontline struggle, saying the ongoing casualty toll brought tears to his eyes.
Within weeks of the video’s circulation, military authorities detained Olamilekan. He was arrested at his duty post on February 11, 2026, and immediately taken into custody without prior notice to his family. He was initially held in a cell in Maiduguri under restrictive conditions before being transferred to Army Headquarters in Abuja. During this period, he said he was denied access to legal counsel, communication with relatives, and proper medical attention despite serving in remote and demanding conditions for almost eight years.
In recent remarks, Olamilekan recounted the ordeal he endured during months of detention and the eventual dismissal from service. In a video now circulating online, he described being treated “like a criminal,” with his hands and legs restrained and repeatedly moved between facilities. He detailed the physical and emotional toll of confinement, limited meals, and restricted access to basic rights. “I really suffered. I suffered a lot in Abuja, with handcuffs on my legs and hands for over a month,” he said, adding that he was neither allowed to call his family nor consult a lawyer.
Olamilekan said that after being formally presented with charges, he was dismissed from his unit and marched out of the barracks as a dismissed soldier, an experience he described as deeply humiliating. He maintained that his intentions were patriotic, aimed at drawing attention to the welfare of rank-and-file soldiers who face high-risk deployments and limited support.
In his current appeal, Olamilekan has asked Nigerians and civil society organisations to support his quest for justice. He insists that his message was meant to highlight the disconnect between political leadership and the realities faced by soldiers. “I don’t have anyone to fight for me, but I know God will fight for me because this is not right,” he said, urging public backing for his cause.
The case has ignited widespread discussion across social media and among civil society groups about the treatment of military personnel, freedom of speech, and broader issues of soldier welfare in Nigeria. Human rights advocates and legal organisations have raised concerns about due process and the right of soldiers to voice concerns without facing severe consequences, while acknowledging that the military operates under strict discipline codes designed to ensure cohesion and operational readiness. Some argue that there should be internal mechanisms allowing commentary on welfare and conditions without punitive reprisals.
Critics of the military’s handling of the situation contend that Olamilekan’s plea resonated with many Nigerians because it reflected shared frustrations over persistent insecurity and the perceived disconnect between policymakers and frontline realities. The high casualty rates among soldiers in counter-insurgency operations across the Northeast and other troubled zones have been a recurring theme in public discourse, and Olamilekan’s video brought that issue to national visibility.
The Nigerian Army has not publicly commented on the specifics of the disciplinary action or the allegations of mistreatment. Military regulations generally prohibit serving personnel from making public political statements or commentary that could undermine authority or operational effectiveness, and the army’s response to Olamilekan’s video reflects enforcement of these policies. Analysts say the army’s strict disciplinary stance aims to preserve order and unity within the ranks, but the controversy highlights tensions between discipline and expression in an era of widespread social media use.
As debate continues, Olamilekan’s plea for forgiveness and reconsideration of his dismissal has struck a chord with many Nigerians who see the case as symbolic of broader issues facing the nation’s security forces. Whether military leadership will grant clemency or review his case remains uncertain, but the ongoing public conversation underscores deep concerns about the welfare of those serving in uniform and the mechanisms available for them to voice concerns.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments