Soldier Who Was Dismissed Begs For Mercy After Viral Outburst Against Politicians

Lance Corporal Rotimi Olamilekan, the Nigerian soldier dismissed from service after a viral video in which he urged politicians, governors, ministers and lawmakers to send their children to join the military, has issued a public apology to the Armed Forces.

Olamilekan, who was arrested in February 2026 and later dismissed after an internal investigation, had argued in the earlier video that it was unfair for soldiers to keep dying in battles against insurgents while the children of the elite remained safe. In a new video released on March 31, 2026, he said he acted out of ignorance, admitted there was no justification for his outburst, and appealed for mercy while reaffirming his loyalty to the Nigerian Army.