196 soldiers to retire in November amid resignation rumours

The Nigerian Army has directed 196 soldiers to embark on terminal leave with effect from November 1, 2024.

The directive follows the submission of resignation letters by the soldiers.

The soldiers were reportedly drawn from various formations of the army across the country and were mainly rank-and-file.

However, a memo sighted by The Guardian and dated August 23, signed by Brigadier General OH Musa, stated that the final disengagement of the soldiers will take effect from November 30, 2024.

It read in part, “In accordance with the provisions of References A and B, the COAS, via 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 November 1, 2024, while their disengagement date takes effect from November 30, 2024.

“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 September 6, 2024.”

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Reacting swiftly, the spokesman of the army, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the publication on social media, 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 the reputation of the Nigerian Army.

He noted that it is crucial to clarify that service in the Nigerian Army, like most militaries worldwide, is voluntary and not conscriptive.

“This, therefore, provides that individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will. The situation is the same with 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.”

He said discharge from the Nigerian Army is routine and in line with laid-down procedures, adding that “only in an unorganized army would the discharge of personnel be handled haphazardly; hence, the compilation and release of names routinely, as must have been observed in the case of the Nigerian Army over the years.”

“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.

“In the instance cited in the hasty and haphazardly compiled report, due diligence was not taken to ascertain the reasons for the discharge of the personnel, other than the spurious allegation of low morale and corruption. Whereas reasons for the discharge of personnel are confidential, they range from voluntary disengagements, medical grounds, pursuit of other professions of interest and endeavors, and community service, among others.

“The notion that soldiers are resigning en masse due to welfare issues is a gross misrepresentation of reality and certainly not the true picture. Instead, Nigerian Army recruitments are highly competitive and even oversubscribed.

“Contrary to the insinuations in the report, Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a top priority under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

“Suffice it to state that within one year of the current leadership, significant strides have been made to improve the standards of living and the overall well-being of personnel and their families.

“A prime example is the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme, aka AHOOAS, which has been launched across the nation, allowing personnel to choose where to live and own decent post-service accommodation.

“This initiative underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring that personnel enjoy dignified post-service life.

“Furthermore, the NA is currently undertaking massive rehabilitation of existing and construction of new infrastructure across Nigerian Army formations, units, and barracks in the country to ensure a conducive working and living atmosphere for troops and their families.

“Additionally, allowances have been regularly paid as and when due for soldiers deployed in operational theatres. This is aside from the regular free airlifting of troops proceeding on leaves and passes, as well as free medical evacuation of injured troops for both local and foreign treatments.

“Military hospitals and medical centers are equally receiving remodeling and upgrading of equipment for efficient service delivery to personnel and their families.

“These are in addition to combat enablers injected into all theatres of operations across the country to enhance troops’ operational effectiveness and ensure adequate force protection.

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“Personnel capacity development is also receiving adequate attention, as both officers and soldiers are regularly engaged in training activities to build their capabilities in consonance with global best practices.

“In light of these phenomenal efforts, one cannot but assert that the leadership of the NA has continued to steadily and consistently walk the talk, as pledged in the COAS Command philosophy to ‘Transform the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped, and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment.’

“Therefore, the allegation of widespread resignation due to poor welfare is not only unfounded but also irrational. The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its personnel. It is, however, appalling to witness concerted attempts to distort the truth for sensationalism in the media.

“We call on media organizations to verify information before publication and avoid being tools of disinformation. The Nigerian Army will continue to prioritize the welfare and morale of its personnel, ensuring they remain motivated and fully equipped to carry out their duties in defense of the nation,” Nwachukwu said.