RULAAC urges Nigerian Army to address frontline grievances of Lance Corporal Olamilekan, not punish him
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has expressed deep concern over the arrest and incommunicado detention of Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, who serves with the 81 Division Task Force Battalion in Maiduguri, Borno State.
According to reports, the soldier was arrested around mid-February 2026 shortly after sharing a clip on social media where he said despite serving nearly four years on the frontline, he didn’t get promotion or additional benefits.
The soldier also lamented the frequent loss of colleagues in combat and urged political leaders, including governors, senators, House of Representatives members, ministers, and local government chairmen—to allow their own children to enlist in the Nigerian Army and experience the realities of the battlefield.
RULAAC, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, acknowledged that the military operates under strict rules on conduct and communication for serving personnel. However, the group argued that the soldier’s video did not reveal operational secrets, incite mutiny, or promote insubordination. Instead, it emotionally highlighted the sacrifices and welfare challenges of frontline troops battling insurgency.
The advocacy centre emphasized that similar grievances, including prolonged deployments, promotion stagnation, and the psychological impact of combat, have been raised by soldiers before and reflect genuine realities rather than rebellion.
“Punishing personnel for voicing such concerns,” RULAAC warned, “could suppress legitimate feedback needed to improve morale, welfare, and operational effectiveness.
“Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent crime depends not only on weapons and strategy but also on the morale, dignity, and wellbeing of the soldiers who prosecute the war. Silencing their voices will not strengthen the military; listening to them will.”
RULAAC demanded that military authorities:
1. Immediately release Lance Corporal Olamilekan or ensure he receives due process, including access to family and legal representation.
2. Investigate the issues he raised, such as extended deployments, lack of promotions, and mental health strains from combat.
3. Strengthen internal mechanisms for soldiers to report grievances safely without fear of retaliation.
4. Prioritize welfare, mental health support, and career progression for troops in high-risk operations.
RULAAC says the Nigerian public owes a deep debt of gratitude to soldiers who endure enormous hardship in defence of the nation.
“When those soldiers raise concerns about their welfare and the conditions under which they serve, the appropriate response should be engagement and reform – not repression,” it said.
