A former member of the Nigerian Army has sparked nationwide debate after a viral video revealed alleged hardships faced by soldiers, including low pay, poor welfare, and personal spending on essential gear.
“We Bought Our Own Gear” — Ex-Soldier Speaks Out
The dismissed soldier, who recently gained attention for urging politicians to allow their children serve in the military. Shared details of his experience after nearly five years in service—most of it spent in Maiduguri.
According to him, his last salary before dismissal was ₦109,000, following a recent increment.
“The last salary I collected as an ex-army before I was dismissed was ₦109,000. Before then, it was just last year February they increased it. It was ₦51,000 then, attached with the SACRS skill that they pay ₦20,000, making ₦71,000. The s&ff£ring was much. Aside from the salary, nothing more—no other means of support.
More troubling were claims that soldiers often had to purchase their own uniforms and gear
“They don’t give us uniforms either; we buy them ourselves with our money, which cost ₦55,000. You will buy your uniform and boots with your money, everything you need. The boots cost ₦60,000 too. Even a&m0r and b&ll£tpr00f v£sts, nobody will give you.” If you see a soldier putting it on, that means they have an occasion where governors will be on ground, just for show-off.”
The soldier also claimed that promised deployment rotations were not honored. As he spent over four years in a conflict zone instead of the expected two.
Public Reaction and Wider Concerns
The revelations have triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the welfare of military personnel. Analysts say the claims—if accurate—highlight long-standing issues around funding, logistics, and personnel support within the armed forces.
While the Nigerian Army has yet to officially respond to the specific allegations, the development has reignited calls for reforms to improve soldiers’ welfare, including better pay, proper equipment, and structured deployment systems.
As the video continues to circulate, it has intensified scrutiny on how frontline troops are treated. Raising broader questions about accountability and the need to prioritize those tasked with defending the nation.
