Several soldiers have reportedly resigned from the Nigerian Army to join the military forces of other nations, including the British Army, Ukrainian Army, and those of Commonwealth countries, SaharaReporters has learned.
Sources who spoke to SaharaReporters attributed the wave of resignations to poor welfare, insufficient equipment, and a general lack of motivation within the Nigerian Army. Many of those resigning belong to the medical corps.
The sources further revealed that numerous soldiers are awaiting approval for their resignations, citing frustration with the Nigerian government’s failure to provide adequate living conditions, modern weaponry, and fair compensation, despite ongoing battles against various non-state actors destabilizing the country.
“A set of 27 personnel are leaving and this set is only medical corps. Infantry corps and armoured corps are still coming. So many more will leave.
“Soldiers are leaving because the work is no longer sustainable. People are running every day to join British Army, Ukraine, Russia, Commonwealth army and the likes. That’s what is happening now,” a source in the Nigerian military informed SaharaReporters.
“Even the planned protest, many soldiers are praying it should happen,” another source added.
A document obtained by SaharaReporters has confirmed a wave of mass resignations among army personnel.
The document, issued by the Department of Personnel Management at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment and dated August 24, 2024, approved the voluntary discharge of approximately 27 soldiers from service.
The statement reads: “In accordance with the provisions of References A and B, the COAS vide NASHO Reference C approved the voluntary discharge of the above named soldier and 26 others listed at Annex A.
“The soldiers are to proceed on terminal leave NAMCHO AMCHU with effect from 1 Nov 24 while their disengagement date takes effect from 30.
READ ALSO: Tinubu Owes Nigerian Army’s August Salaries, Urges Troops to Be Patient
“I am directed to respectfully request you to cause the affected soldiers’ units to ensure that the discharging soldiers complete the following NAMCTH.
“Additionally, the affected units are to ensure that forms of military controlled items, arms, ammunition and items of combat kits are recovered from the discharging soldiers prior to their disengagement date.
“The disengaging soldiers forward 2 copies of current passport and 5 x 7 NAMC PAMEHO NAM photographs each on No 6 Dress (Woodland Camouflage) standing at ease NAMC
“The discharging soldiers are to report to this Department on completion of their terminal leave for collection of Discharge Certificate and Record of service before proceeding to MBP for final documentation.”
Attempts to reach the army spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, for comments were unsuccessful, as he neither answered calls nor responded to a text message sent to his mobile phone.
SaharaReporters had previously highlighted multiple cases of delayed salary payments and unpaid bonuses for soldiers by the Nigerian government.
For example, on Monday, the newspaper reported that the Nigerian Army personnel had not yet received their August salaries and allowances under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
This information was revealed in an internal memo from army authorities, obtained by SaharaReporters. In the memo, officials asked soldiers to remain patient, assuring them that efforts were being made to expedite the payment of their entitlements.
The memo reads: “TEXT: LATE PMT OF SAL AND NON REG ALLCE AUG 24. DIR YOU INFO TPS THAT SAL AND NON REG ALLCE FOR AUG 24 IS YET TO BE PAID BY FGN. EFFORTS ARE ONGOING TO ENSURE PMT IS EFFECTED ASAP. TPS ARE REQ TO REMAIN PATIENT. PSE TREAT AS URGENT AND ACT.”
Delays in salary and bonus payments for the Nigerian Army are not uncommon in Nigeria.
In October 2022, several soldiers expressed frustration over the late disbursement of their wages and the lack of salary increases during their more than 10 years of service.
(SaharaReporters)
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