Nigerian Army denies mass resignations, highlights personnel welfare

The Nigerian Army has responded to recent reports alleging mass resignations within its ranks, clarifying that soldiers and staff are free to resign according to established procedures outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service.

The Army dismissed the claims that these resignations are driven by systemic corruption, inadequate welfare, or low morale, labeling such assertions as misleading and aimed at creating unrest within the service.

In a statement released on Sunday, Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, addressed the reports, describing them as deliberate attempts to sow discord and tarnish the reputation of the Nigerian Army.

“The recent publication in some media platforms, 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 reputation of the Nigerian Army,” Nwachukwu stated.

He emphasized that service in the Nigerian Army, like in other global military institutions, is voluntary, allowing individuals to resign at will following the proper procedures.

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“Personnel are at liberty to disengage from time to time in accordance with procedures as contained in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers),” Nwachukwu explained.

The Director underscored that discharges from the Army are routine and conducted in an organized manner. He highlighted that this process is essential for ensuring that personnel can adequately prepare for and receive their entitlements, pensions, and gratuities.

 “Discharge from the Nigerian Army is routine and in line with laid-down procedures. Only in an unorganized army would the discharge of personnel be handled haphazardly,” he noted.

Nwachukwu also clarified that the reasons for personnel discharge are confidential and can include a range of factors such as medical grounds, pursuit of other careers, or voluntary disengagement.

He criticized the recent reports for failing to consider these varied reasons and instead focusing on unfounded allegations of low morale and corruption.

Rejecting the notion that soldiers are resigning en masse due to welfare issues, Nwachukwu described it as a gross misrepresentation. He pointed out that Nigerian Army recruitment is highly competitive and often oversubscribed. “Nigerian Army recruitments are highly competitive and even oversubscribed,” he said.

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Nwachukwu reassured that the Nigerian Army remains highly motivated, with personnel welfare being a top priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. “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,” he emphasized.

He cited the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme (AHOOAS), launched nationwide, as a prime example of the Army’s commitment to improving the welfare of its personnel.

In addition, the Army is focusing on infrastructure improvements, regularly paying allowances, and providing free airlifting for troops on leave, as well as free medical evacuation for injured soldiers both locally and abroad.

Military hospitals and medical centres are also being remodeled and upgraded to ensure efficient service delivery to personnel and their families,” Nwachukwu added.

The Director concluded by dismissing the claims of widespread resignations due to poor welfare as unfounded, asserting the Army’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of its personnel. “The Nigerian Army remains committed to the welfare of its personnel. It is, however, appalling to witness concerted attempts to distort the truth for sensationalism in the media,” the statement concluded.