The Nigerian Army has declared 44 personnel deployed to combat terrorism in Borno State wanted for desertion, according to a military signal available to news reporters. These soldiers were expected to report to the 403 Amphibious Brigade in the Baga community by October 31, 2024, but have been absent for over a month without prior notice.
The 403 Amphibious Brigade is part of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Sector 3 in Nigeria, a collaborative multinational unit that includes personnel from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria. The goal of the MNJTF is to eradicate the Boko Haram insurgency.
As a consequence of their suspected desertion, the Army has frozen the bank accounts of the affected soldiers. It also requires personnel with information about their whereabouts to report to the authorities for disciplinary action.
This incident comes amidst allegations of corruption and low morale within the Nigerian Army. Some soldiers have resigned, attributing their decision to corruption, long deployments in the North-East region, and inadequate support. However, the Nigerian Army has denied these claims, saying that voluntary retirement and discharge procedures are clearly defined and allowed in the military.
In August 2024, 196 soldiers also left the service, citing similar issues of corruption, low morale, and the pursuit of other opportunities. The Nigerian Army has asserted that these discharges are routine and adhere to established procedures.
Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, reemphasized that personnel are free to disengage at will, provided discharge procedures are strictly followed.
He also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to the welfare and capacity building of its rank and file.
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