Nigerian Soldier Detained After Viral Video Asking Politicians to Send Sons to Fight Terrorists

“Let Them Send Their Sons Too” — Nigerian Soldier Detained After Emotional Video on War Against Terrorists 

A Nigerian soldier has reportedly been detained after a video he recorded from the frontline went viral across social media, sparking a nationwide conversation about sacrifice, leadership, and the human cost of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.

The soldier, identified as Rotimi Olamilekan, a Lance Corporal in the Nigerian Army, reportedly made the video while serving in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State—one of the epicentres of Nigeria’s long-running insurgency battle. In the emotional video, the soldier spoke candidly about the painful experience of losing fellow soldiers in the war against terrorist groups.

Speaking partly in Nigerian Pidgin, the soldier expressed deep frustration over the number of colleagues he has lost during military operations. He said the continuous deaths of soldiers were becoming too painful to bear. 

     “The way I dey lose my colleagues, e dey bring tears for my eyes everyday.”

He then made a bold appeal directed at Nigeria’s political leaders. According to him, if political leaders truly understand the sacrifices being made by soldiers on the battlefield, they should also allow their own children to serve in the military. He pointed out that Nigeria has 36 state governors, 109 senators, dozens of ministers, members of the House of Representatives and 774 local government chairmen.  He suggested that each of them should encourage their sons to join the army and fight for the country.

His comments quickly spread across social media, where many Nigerians described the message as a cry from the battlefield.

Following the viral video, reports indicate that the Nigerian Army detained the soldier for possible disciplinary action. Military rules generally prohibit serving soldiers from making political statements or publicly criticizing government authorities while in uniform. Because his comments were interpreted as a direct challenge to political leaders, the army reportedly considered the video a breach of military discipline. He was subsequently taken into custody for questioning.  

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Nigeria has been battling insurgent groups such as Boko Hara and Islamic State West Africa Province for more than a decade, particularly in the northeast.

Thousands of soldiers and civilians have lost their lives during the conflict, while millions of people have been displaced from their homes. For soldiers deployed to the frontline, the emotional and psychological toll can be overwhelming. The viral video has resonated with many Nigerians because it reveals the raw emotions of a soldier confronting the harsh realities of war.

The video has sparked mixed reactions across the country. Some Nigerians believe the soldier simply voiced the frustrations felt by many troops risking their lives daily to protect the nation. Others argue that the military must maintain strict discipline and neutrality, and that soldiers should not publicly criticize political authorities. Regardless of the differing opinions, the incident has reopened an important national conversation about the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s armed forces.

                 EverydayStoryNetwork Perspective

War is not just fought with weapons, it is fought with human lives, emotions, and families left behind. The soldier’s words, whether viewed as controversial or courageous, highlight a deeper issue: the need for stronger support systems for frontline troops. Soldiers deserve more than praise. They deserve proper equipment, mental health support, fair compensation, and the assurance that the nation they defend values their sacrifices.

                  Let’s Hear From You

This story raises serious questions about leadership and responsibility.

Do you think the soldier was wrong for speaking out?

Should political leaders encourage their children to serve in the military?

Was the army right to detain him?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.