Nigerian Army explains ‘mass resignation of soldiers’
The Nigerian Army has recently addressed allegations regarding a supposed mass resignation of soldiers, which were attributed to issues such as corruption and low morale.
The Army’s leadership has firmly discredited these claims, labeling them as misleading and a deliberate attempt to undermine the reputation of the military and its personnel.
Army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachuckwu, in a statement clarified that the service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary, similar to most military organizations worldwide. This means that individuals have the freedom to disengage from service at their discretion. The Army emphasized that personnel can disengage in accordance with established procedures outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service for both officers and soldiers.
The Nigerian Army clarified that discharges are routine and conducted according to laid-down procedures. Nwachukwu stated that only an unorganized military would handle personnel discharges haphazardly. The systematic compilation and release of names of disengaged personnel allow those affected to prepare adequately for their transition, including processing entitlements such as pensions and gratuities.
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While specific reasons for individual discharges are confidential, they may include voluntary disenchantment, medical grounds, pursuit of other career opportunities, or community service. The Army stressed that allegations suggesting widespread resignations due to welfare issues do not accurately reflect reality. In fact, recruitment into the Nigerian Army remains highly competitive and often oversubscribed.
The Army also said the leadership under Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has made significant strides in improving the welfare of soldiers within a year. Initiatives such as the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme (AHOOAS) have been launched nationwide, allowing personnel to choose where they live and ensuring decent post-service accommodation. Furthermore, ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation and construction projects aim to create conducive living conditions for troops and their families.
The Nigerian Army also highlighted that allowances are regularly paid on time for soldiers deployed in operational theaters. Additional support includes free airlifting services for troops on leave or passes and medical evacuations for injured personnel. Military hospitals are undergoing upgrades to enhance service delivery.
