The Nigerian Army has said that the recent “allegation of widespread resignation due to poor welfare is unfounded and irrational.”
The Army said it remained “steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its personnel” and described as appalling “concerted attempts to distort the truth for sensationalism.”
The clarification came as the Nigerian Army granted approval to 196 soldiers to proceed on terminal leave with effect from November this year.
This followed the request made to that effect by the affected Soldiers through their resignation letters addressed to the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The affected soldiers were drawn from various army formations across the country and were mostly junior officers.
The approval was communicated to the affected Soldiers and their formations through an official memo dated August 23, signed by Brigadier General OH Musa. It would take effect on November 30, 2024.
The memo reads, “In accordance with the provisions of References A and B, the COAS vide Reference C approved the voluntary discharge of the above-named soldier and 195 others listed in Annex A. The soldiers are to proceed on terminal leave with effect from 1 Nov 24 while their disengagement date takes effect from 30 Nov 24.
“Accordingly, I am directed to respectfully request you to cause the affected soldiers’ units to ensure that the discharging soldiers complete the following forms as enclosed and forward the same to this Department no later than 6 Sep 24”.
Amid the resignation, there was claims that the affected soldiers were leaving to join foreign military services because of their poor welfare in the service of the Nigerian Army.
But the Army said there is no iota of truth to the narrative.
The Director of Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, said: “The recent publication by an online media and similar media platforms, alleging mass resignation of Nigerian Army soldiers over corruption, low morale and the like is not only misleading but also a deliberate attempt to sow the seeds of disaffection and acrimony, as well as denigrate the patriotic service of personnel and reputation of the Nigerian Army.”
The statement said it is crucial to clarify that service in the Nigerian Army, like most militaries worldwide, is voluntary. It added that this gives individuals the freedom and liberty to disengage at will.
The statement claimed that “the hasty and haphazardly compiled report” did not follow due diligence in ascertaining reasons for the discharge of the personnel.
According to the Army, the reasons for personnel discharge are confidential but can include voluntary disengagement, medical reasons, pursuit of other career opportunities, community service, and more.
It said statements suggesting that soldiers are resigning en masse due to welfare issues do not reflect the actual situation. It described the recruitment process for the Nigerian Army as highly competitive and often oversubscribed.
The Army clarified that personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a top priority under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.