Nigerian actor and former Big Brother Africa runner-up Tayo Faniran has defended soldiers who take on private security jobs as bouncers, arguing that worsening economic hardship has forced many to seek extra sources of income.

In a post shared on Instagram, Faniran said the public should not criticise military personnel for taking such jobs, insisting that hunger has stripped many Nigerians of their dignity.

"Nobody should blame the soldiers doing bouncers for civilians. Na hunger dey make everybody lose steeze. 'Respect the uniform' make dem die of starvation?" he wrote.

The actor said the development reflects the country's economic challenges rather than a lack of respect for the military profession.

Faniran further argued that if members of the armed forces were not restrained by military discipline, political leaders would be more accountable to the people.

"I'm happy it's going that way though, because if not for the fear of what the Army will do to the people, every political leader should respect themselves and fear the people. The day Nigeria will be liberated, the revolution will start from the uniform men," he stated.

His comments come after two soldiers were arrested after they were spotted in a viral video for providing security at the wedding of popular streamers Peller and Jarvis.

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