After Being Reportedly Detained with Suspected Terrorists, Nigerian Army Dismisses Soldier Who Called On Political Leaders To Enlist Sons In Military Over Sabotage
The Nigerian Army has summarily dismissed Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan (service number 18NA/77/1009) following his arrest over a viral video in which he called on Nigerian politicians, ministers, governors, and other officials to send their sons to join the Army.
Olamilekan, who served with the 81 Division Task Force Battalion in Maiduguri, Borno State, was detained on February 11, 2026, and reportedly transferred to Army Headquarters in Abuja under a direct order.
Sources who spoke to newsmen allege that the soldier, who had served for eight years, was subjected to degrading treatment during detention. According to reports, he was confined in unsanitary conditions alongside suspected bandits and criminal detainees, with his hands and legs cuffed.
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A source said Olamilekan’s health deteriorated during confinement due to a serious ailment, but Army authorities allegedly refused to provide medical care. “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,” the source added.
Prior to his transfer to Abuja, Olamilekan was apprehended at his location in Maiduguri on March 3, 2026. Reports indicate he was not allowed to notify his family but managed to have colleagues inform his aged mother of his detention. Since his arrest, he has allegedly been denied access to legal representation.
In his Facebook video, Olamilekan urged top government officials—including ministers, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and local government chairmen—to have their sons enlist in the Nigerian Army to help combat banditry and insurgency.
“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 in Pidgin English. “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.”
