Nigerian Army Reacts To Mass Resignation’ Report, Says Soldiers Free To Disengage At Will | #NwokeukwuMascot
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Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, made this known in a statement released on Sunday.
Recall we had earlier reported about the mass resignation, lamenting corruption, low morale, and other issues as the reasons for the resignations.
However, the army authorities described it as a move to tarnish the image of the army.
"The publication is a deliberate attempt to create disaffection and denigrate the patriotic service of our personnel," Nwachukwu stated, emphasizing that the Nigerian Army operates under a voluntary service system, not conscription.
He further explained that the processes for voluntary retirement and discharge are clearly outlined in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for both officers and soldiers.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Nwachukwu assured that these procedures are strictly adhered to, allowing personnel to retire only after fulfilling their service obligations.
“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
“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 said that reasons for the discharge of personnel were confidential, as they range from voluntary disengagements, medical grounds, and pursuit of other professions of interest and endeavours, and community service, amongst others.
According to him, the notion that soldiers are resigning enmasse due to welfare issues is a gross misrepresentation of reality and certainly not the true picture.
“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 a 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.
The Army spokesperson stated that the military is currently carrying out extensive rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and constructing new facilities across formations, units, and barracks nationwide to create a more conducive working and living environment for troops and their families.
He noted that allowances had been regularly paid as and when due for soldiers deployed in operational theaters.
“This is aside from the regular free airlifting of troops proceeding on leaves and passes, as well as free medical evacuation of injured troops for both local and foreign treatments.
“Military hospitals and medical centres are equally receiving remodelling and upgrading of equipment for efficient service delivery to personnel and their families.
“These are in addition to combat enablers injected into all theatres of operations across the country to enhance troops’ operational effectiveness and ensure adequate force protection.
“Personnel capacity development is also receiving adequate attention, as both officers and soldiers are engaged regularly in training activities to build their capabilities in consonance with global best practice,” he added.
Nwachukwu, however, dismissed the claims of widespread resignations due to poor welfare as baseless and illogical, urging media outlets not to become platforms for spreading misinformation.
He added that the army remains committed to prioritizing the welfare and morale of its personnel, ensuring they stay motivated and well-equipped to fulfil their duties in defence of the nation.
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