The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports that 195 soldiers voluntarily resigned due to poor conditions of service, describing the claims as “unfounded” and “irrational.”
In a statement on Sunday, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, clarified that service in the Nigerian Army, like most military institutions worldwide, is voluntary, and discharges are routine.
The statement, titled “Insinuation of Mass Resignation of Nigerian Army Soldiers Due to Corruption is Baseless, Irrational,” addressed allegations circulating on online media platforms that soldiers were resigning en masse due to corruption and low morale.
Nwachukwu emphasized, “The recent publication by an online media platform alleging mass resignation of Nigerian Army soldiers over corruption and low morale 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.”
He explained that personnel are free to disengage from the service at any time, provided it is in line with laid down procedures.
“Personnel are at liberty to disengage from time to time in accordance with laid down procedures as contained in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service for both officers and soldiers.”
Contrary to the allegations, Nwachukwu stressed that the Nigerian Army remains a highly sought-after institution due to the comprehensive welfare packages offered to personnel.
He highlighted that recruitment into the Army is competitive and oversubscribed, further disproving the claim of dissatisfaction within the ranks.
“The notion that soldiers are resigning en masse due to welfare issues is a gross misrepresentation of reality and certainly not the true picture,” the statement said.
“Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a top priority under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.”
The Army cited various welfare initiatives that have been implemented to improve the living conditions of its personnel, including the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme (AHOOAS), which provides decent post-service accommodation options across the country.
Additionally, the Army is engaged in the rehabilitation of barracks and units to ensure a conducive working and living environment for troops and their families.
Nwachukwu also dismissed claims of delayed payments, noting that allowances for soldiers deployed in operational theatres are regularly paid on time.
“Allowances have been regularly paid as at when due for soldiers deployed in operational theaters,” he said, adding that injured troops are provided free medical evacuations for both local and foreign treatments.
He further stressed that the Nigerian Army is committed to personnel capacity development, with ongoing training programs aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness.
“Personnel capacity development is receiving adequate attention, as both officers and soldiers are engaged regularly in training activities to build their capabilities in consonance with global best practices,” the statement noted.
Nwachukwu concluded by urging media organizations to verify their information before publishing, warning against the spread of disinformation.
He reiterated the Army’s dedication to ensuring the welfare of its personnel while continuing to defend the nation.
“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its personnel. It is, however, appalling to witness concerted attempts to distort the truth for sensationalism in the media,” he added.
