Nigerian Army refutes claims of mass resignation

The Nigerian Army has clarified that voluntary retirements and discharges of personnel are standard procedures in accordance with the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).

This statement, issued by Director of Army Public Relations Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, addresses recent media reports alleging widespread resignations of soldiers due to corruption and low morale.

Nwachukwu criticized these reports as misleading and a deliberate attempt to undermine the Nigerian Army and its personnel.

He emphasized that military service in Nigeria, as with most global militaries, is voluntary, allowing individuals to leave according to established procedures.

“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.

He explained that the discharge process is routine and well-organized, ensuring that personnel can prepare and process their entitlements, pensions, and gratuities properly.

“Discharge from the Nigerian Army is routine and in line with laid down procedures.

“Only in an unorganised 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,” he said.

Nwachukwu dismissed the reports as hasty and lacking in due diligence, noting that the reasons for discharge are confidential and can include voluntary resignations, medical reasons, and other personal pursuits.

Contrary to claims of mass resignations due to welfare issues, Nwachukwu asserted that Nigerian Army recruitment is highly competitive and that personnel welfare remains a top priority.

Under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, significant improvements have been made, including the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme (AHOOAS), which offers decent housing options for soldiers.

The Army is also engaged in extensive infrastructure upgrades, timely allowance payments, and enhanced medical and operational support.

“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 top priority under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

“Suffice 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 inaugurated 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,” he said.

Nwachukwu urged media organizations to avoid spreading disinformation and reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and morale of its personnel, ensuring they remain motivated and effective in their duties.