COAS: Integrated Administrative Protocols Key to Optimising Troops’ Welfare, Others

•Army replies to Olamilekan’s claims of poor remuneration, insists claims are false

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has emphasised that integrated administrative protocols were essential to optimising medical services and enhancing the welfare of troops within the Nigerian Army.

He made this known yesterday while receiving the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), Rear Admiral Azeeze Bayo Afolayan (Rtd), during a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the COAS noted that ongoing military operations across the six geopolitical zones required sustained physical and mental readiness, supported by a responsive and modern healthcare system.

He added that personnel welfare must extend beyond active service to include the well-being of veterans.

Shaibu highlighted the socio-economic challenges often faced after retirement, stressing the need for continued support for former service members.

He maintained that the Army’s responsibility to its personnel was lifelong and called for structured systems to ensure access to financial and medical assistance.

He also described the DHML Managing Director as an “insider” whose contributions underscored the importance of institutional experience.

In his remarks, Rear Admiral Afolayan (Rtd) called for the institutionalisation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within human resources and administrative units in military medical services.

He noted that standardised processes would improve efficiency, ensure accurate personnel data, and enhance healthcare delivery.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has refuted claims by dismissed Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan regarding poor remuneration of personnel, insisting that the allegations were false and misleading.

The Army described as sensationalised a report circulating across social media and mainstream platforms featuring the ex-soldier, popularly known as “Soja Boi,” in which he made claims about welfare, salaries, and the provision of uniforms and protective equipment.

In another statement by Anele, the Army said it was necessary to correct the misinformation to prevent the public from being misled, even as it remains focused on its core mandate of safeguarding the nation.

The statement clarified that Olamilekan was not dismissed for expressing opinions or “speaking the truth,” but for repeated acts of indiscipline, including breaches of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy.

It noted that his actions—ranging from unauthorised media engagements to misuse of military identity—violated established regulations, adding that due process was followed in line with military law.

Addressing remuneration, the Army maintained that it operated a structured and transparent salary system based on rank and years of service, as outlined in the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

It added its men received various allowances, including uniform, ration cash, and operational allowances, particularly for those deployed in theatres such as Operation Hadin Kai.

The Army also dismissed claims that soldiers purchasedtheir own uniforms and protective gear, describing them as entirely false.

It stressed that the provision of kits, arms, and equipment was an institutional responsibility handled through established logistics systems, ensuring troops are properly equipped at all times.