By DAYO ADESULU
Maiduguri, Borno State – March 24, 2026 – The Nigerian Army has dismissed Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan (service number 18NA/77/1009), following his arrest for posting a video calling on Nigeria’s political leaders to enlist their sons in the military to support the fight against terrorism and banditry.
Olamilekan, who had served with the 81 Division Task Force Battalion in Maiduguri for eight years, was taken into custody on February 11, 2026, under a directive reportedly issued to transfer him to Army Headquarters in Abuja.
Arrest and Detention Conditions
Sources familiar with the matter told SaharaReporters that Olamilekan was subjected to harsh and degrading treatment while in detention. He was reportedly confined in unsanitary conditions, sharing a cell with suspected criminals and bandits, with his hands and legs restrained.
“He was locked up in a place used for defecation and urination, detained alongside suspected terrorists, with both hands and legs cuffed. After eight years of defending this country, this is unacceptable,” a source said.
Reports also indicate that Olamilekan’s health deteriorated during detention due to a serious medical condition, but Army authorities allegedly denied him access to proper treatment.
The Video That Sparked Controversy
Prior to his arrest, Olamilekan posted a video on his Facebook page urging top government officials, including ministers, senators, governors, House of Representatives members, and local government chairmen, to enlist their sons into the Nigerian Army.
“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.
He added: “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 post highlighted the soldier’s concern over the rising number of casualties among servicemen fighting insurgency and banditry in Nigeria.
Family and Legal Restrictions
SaharaReporters noted that Olamilekan was initially detained in Maiduguri and later transferred to Abuja without being allowed to inform his family. Colleagues helped notify his elderly mother of his transfer.
Since his detention, the soldier has reportedly been denied access to legal counsel, raising concerns about due process and the rights of military personnel.
Calls for Release by Civil Rights Groups
Civil society organisations have condemned the Army’s actions. On March 7, 2026, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) called for Olamilekan’s immediate release, warning that suppressing voices like his could harm military morale.
RULAAC urged the Army to either release him or ensure he is granted access to family and legal representation, stressing that engagement rather than repression is the proper response to such concerns.
Public Reaction and Lack of Official Statement
Despite public outcry and nationwide condemnation, the Nigerian Army has not issued an official statement regarding Olamilekan’s dismissal. Analysts and civil society organisations continue to question the handling of the case, highlighting broader issues of transparency, soldier welfare, and accountability within the military.
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