Over 1,000 Nigerian soldiers resign, Army reacts

No fewer than 1,008 soldiers have resigned from the Nigerian Army in the last four years.

The figure was from media reports of resignations compiled by Diaspora Digital Media from 2020 to 2024.

In August 2024, 196 soldiers resigned from the Nigerian Army; in 2022, a total of 261 soldiers resigned; in 2021,127 resigned, and 365 resigned in 2020.

It was observed that the soldiers who resigned had neither reached the retirement age nor completed the mandatory years of service.

However, in the disengagement letter dated August 23 signed by Brigadier O.H. Musa, the 196 soldiers were directed to proceed on terminal leave on November 1.

It partly read, “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 November 24 while their disengagement date takes effect from 30 November 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 September 24.”

Reacting to the turnover in the service, the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said service in the Nigerian Army was not by conscription.

He added that some of the soldiers pulled out on medical grounds, noting that others for personal reasons.

Onyema said, “Though I do not have the exact details of yearly retirements or discharge of personnel currently, I can say that officers and soldiers are processed for retirement or discharge by time, based on laid down criteria and provisions of the terms and conditions of service of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, especially those who have served out their mandatory 35 years of service.

“A few retire or discharge on medical grounds, while very few seek discharge voluntarily for personal reasons. Retiring or discharging from active service is, therefore, not a strange phenomenon, as this is also obtainable in other local and international security and civil organisations. I must add quickly that service in the Nigerian Army is not by conscription.”

Nigerian Army reacts

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has denied that its soldiers are resigning due to corruption, low morale, and other factors.

The Authority of the Nigerian Army, in a statement signed by Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, described the claims as unfounded.

“Consequently, it is crucial to clarify that service in the Nigerian Army, like most militaries the world over, is voluntary and not conscriptive.

“This, therefore, provides that individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will.

“The situation is the same as the Nigerian Army. Personnel are at liberty to disengage from time to time in accordance with laid down procedures as contained in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers) alike.

“This process allows for personnel who are about to either mandatorily or voluntarily disengage to adequately prepare and process entitlements, emoluments, pensions, and gratuity for the period of service to the nation,” he said.

The Army said its personnel are fired up and their welfare is paramount

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