The Nigerian Army has reportedly approved the resignation of 196 soldiers, mainly junior officers, from various formations across the country. The soldiers submitted their letters to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. They are set to leave their posts by end of November.
The mass resignation has reignited controversy over soldiers welfare, morale and even corruption within the military. It comes at a time Nigeria is still battling several security challenges in almost every region of the country.
Several of the resigning soldiers reportedly expressed frustrations privately, over being kept in conflict zones beyond their expected period of deployment. They accuse military authorities of neglect. Some blame corruption for hampering the fight against Boko Haram insurgency, which appear to have resurged in recent times.
Sources have reported that many of these soldiers are considering joining foreign military forces, including the British and Ukrainian armies. This has not been confirmed.
Army Denies Report
In a swift response, the Nigerian Army refuted the allegations through its Director of Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu. The Army labeled the claims of widespread resignations over welfare issues as “unfounded and irrational“. He said its all part of an effort to tarnish the reputation of the military.
His statement emphasized that service in the military is voluntary. Personnel have the freedom to leave for various reasons, he said, including for medical conditions or pursuing other opportunities.
Gen Nwachukwu said the Army under the current Chief of Army Staff is “steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its personnel” . He dismissed media reports of mass exodus as “concerted attempts to distort the truth for sensationalism.”
However, as Nigeria’s military grapples with its many internal challenges, the government is facing mounting pressure to address the welfare concerns of its forces, particularly those stationed in conflict zones.
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