The White House denied Tuesday that remarks by Vice President JD Vance about military operations in Iran had contained any suggestion of a US nuclear strike against the Islamic republic.

After Vance said US forces have tools they “so far haven’t decided to use” to enforce a dramatic ultimatum from President Donald Trump, the White House said on X: “Literally nothing @VP said here ‘implies’ this, you absolute buffoons.”

The post was in response to one from an account associated with former vice president Kamala Harris that said Vance implied Trump “might use nuclear weapons.”

AFP

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The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations by a former soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, that personnel purchase their uniforms and protective equipment with personal funds.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, the Army described the claims as false and misleading, insisting that troops are adequately equipped and catered for.

The statement was in response to a viral interview in which Olamilekan, popularly known as Soja Boi, alleged that soldiers buy items such as uniforms, boots and bulletproof vests despite earning modest salaries.

On remuneration, the Army maintained that it operates a structured and transparent salary system, with additional benefits for personnel.

“In addition to consolidated monthly salaries, personnel are entitled to uniform allowances and other allowances, which are periodically paid directly into their accounts,” it said.

The Army also noted that troops deployed for operations receive extra support.

“Personnel serving in operational theatres… are also paid operational allowances and other mission-specific entitlements designed to support their welfare and enhance operational effectiveness,” the statement added.

Addressing the core allegation, the Army rejected claims that soldiers procure their own kits and protective gear.

“The claim that soldiers are required to purchase uniforms and protective equipment, including bulletproof vests and helmets, is entirely false. The provision of uniforms, kits, arms, ammunition, and operational gear is an institutional responsibility executed through established logistics systems,” it stated.

It acknowledged that some personnel may choose to supplement issued kits for personal comfort but stressed that such decisions are voluntary.

“While some personnel may choose to supplement issued kits based on personal preference and comfort, such actions are voluntary and do not indicate any systemic failure,” the Army said.

The statement further emphasised that no soldier is deployed without adequate protection.

“For the avoidance of doubt, no soldier is deployed to an operational theatre without the necessary protective equipment,” it added.

The Army urged the public to disregard the allegations, warning that such claims could undermine morale and national security.

“The public is requested to disregard these baseless allegations… Citizens are urged to refrain from amplifying unverified claims that may undermine these institutions,” the statement said.

Reacting, the Army said the former lance corporal was dismissed over disciplinary breaches and not for expressing his views.

“The Nigerian Army categorically states that Mr Olamilekan was not dismissed for ‘speaking the truth’ or expressing opinions on political leadership. He was dismissed following persistent and grave acts of indiscipline, including violations of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy,” the statement read.

It added that his actions, including unauthorised media appearances and misuse of military identity, contravened established regulations.

Olamilekan had earlier claimed in an interview that soldiers earned between N51,000 and N111,000 and were responsible for purchasing essential gear, sparking widespread reactions online.

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Several African and Caribbean countries, including Nigeria and Jamaica, could face visa restrictions to the UK if Reform UK wins the next general election.

The proposed policy targets nations that formally demand reparations for slavery.

As reported by the Daily Mail on Monday, the party’s home affairs spokesperson, Zia Yusuf, defended the plan, saying: “A growing number of countries are demanding reparations from Britain. They ignore the fact that Britain made huge sacrifices to be the first major power to outlaw slavery and enforce this prohibition.

“Astonishingly, these countries have received 3.8 million visas and £6.6 billion in foreign aid over the past 20 years. Enough is enough.”

Several African and Caribbean countries, such as Nigeria and Jamaica, have made requests, raising the prospect that their nationals could be barred from entering the UK.

Other nations mentioned by Reform UK include Kenya, Haiti, Guyana, Barbados, and The Bahamas.

The announcement comes weeks after a United Nations vote calling on former colonial powers to pay reparations for slavery.

The resolution described the forced displacement of Africans as one of the “gravest crimes against humanity.” Britain abstained from the vote.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticised the UN, saying: “It is now the UN telling us we should go bankrupt, to apologise for what people did in 1775 or whatever it might have been. Forget it. The UN has no legitimacy over this country whatsoever.”

The party also vowed to cap foreign aid spending at £1 billion annually, a 90% reduction from current levels.

A Foreign Office spokesman said the UK acknowledges the horrors of the slave trade but reiterated that its position on reparations remains unchanged. Opposition leader Keir Starmer has similarly ruled out an apology or payments, saying: “I want to look at the future rather than spend a lot of time on the past.”

Reparations: History and Modern Politics

Centuries ago, millions of Africans were torn from their homes, forced onto ships, and sold into slavery across the Americas and Europe.

Families were destroyed, communities uprooted, and entire cultures disrupted. The scars of these atrocities have endured across generations, shaping nations and peoples long after slavery ended.

In modern times, countries directly affected by this history have begun formally asking for reparations. Ghana has taken a leading role, advocating at the United Nations for recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as one of the “gravest crimes against humanity.” The African nation calls for formal apologies, restitution of stolen cultural items, and reparatory justice to address the lasting impact of slavery.

According to the United Nations, it has been increasingly involved in discussions and declarations regarding reparations, especially for slavery and its consequences.

In March and April 2026, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel slavery as the “gravest crime against humanity.”

This resolution, pushed by Ghana and supported by many African and Caribbean states, called for reparations to remedy historical wrongs, including apologies, restitution of cultural items, and dialogue on justice.

The vote was 123 in favour, with 3 (the United States, Israel, and Argentina) against and 52 abstentions.

The UN added that the following countries and groups asking for reparations are Ghana, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Nations, African Union, Antigua and Barbuda, Guyana and Haiti