The Nigerian Army has summarily dismissed a detained Lance Corporal, Rotimi Olamilekan, after he was arrested for posting a video urging political leaders to allow their sons to join the military.
Olamilekan, who served with the 81 Division Task Force Battalion in Maiduguri, Borno State, was arrested on February 11, 2026, following a directive for his transfer to Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Multiple sources alleged that the soldier, who had served for eight years, was subjected to degrading treatment while in detention. He was reportedly held in unsanitary conditions and detained alongside suspected criminals, with his hands and legs cuffed.
A source claimed, “He was locked up in the same place used for defecation and urination. He was detained with suspected terrorists and had both his hands and legs cuffed.
“I don’t think he deserves this kind of treatment after serving and defending his country for eight years. After all this punishment, he was still dismissed.”
It was also gathered that Olamilekan’s health deteriorated while in custody due to a serious illness, with allegations that he was denied access to medical care.
Before his dismissal, he was reportedly not allowed to contact his family but managed to ask colleagues to inform his mother about his transfer to Abuja. He has also allegedly been denied access to legal representation.
In the video posted on his Facebook page prior to his arrest, the soldier expressed frustration over the loss of fellow troops and called on top government officials to make similar sacrifices.
“The way I dey lose my colleagues, it is getting to a point where it brings tears to my eyes every day. In this country, we have 36 governors, about 109 senators, and nearly 60 ministers,” he said.
“We also have members of the House of Representatives and 774 local government chairmen. Let each of them send their own sons to join the Nigerian Army.”
The military has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, despite growing public outcry and reactions from civil society groups.
Earlier, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) called for his release, warning that suppressing such voices could harm morale within the armed forces. The group urged authorities to either release the soldier or ensure he is granted access to his family and legal representation.
