A former Nigerian Army personnel, Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, has spoken out after his dismissal, describing what he claims were months of harsh treatment following a video in which he urged politicians to allow their children to join the military.
Olamilekan said he was apprehended at his duty post after the video went viral. In the clip, he had called on political leaders—such as governors, ministers, lawmakers, and local government officials—to send their sons to the frontlines amid ongoing insurgency.
According to him, he was restrained and treated like a criminal at the time of his arrest. He explained that he had been stationed in a remote area in the North-East for nearly five years before being taken into custody.
He recounted being moved between different military facilities, including locations in Maiduguri and Abuja, where he was held for extended periods. During this time, he alleged that he remained in restraints and had limited access to food, communication, and his family.
The former soldier also claimed that he was formally charged but given little opportunity to defend himself before being dismissed from service. He described the process as unexpected and said it reflected a lack of freedom of expression.
Olamilekan further stated that his removal from the Army was followed by a public discharge from the barracks, which he found humiliating. Despite the situation, he maintained that he had a clean service record prior to the incident, having served for eight years without any disciplinary issues.
He highlighted the challenges he faced during his deployment, including long periods in conflict zones without relief or recognition.
Calling for support, Olamilekan appealed to the public and civil society organisations to help him seek justice, insisting that his actions were motivated by concern over the loss of fellow soldiers in combat.
