Sources who spoke on conditions of anonymity, said the mass resignation in the Nigeria Army is attributed to poor welfare, inadequate resources and equipment, and lack of moral within the Nigerian Army.
Many soldiers have begun to resign from the Nigerian Army to join the military forces of other countries, including the British Army, Ukrainian Army, and other Commonwealth nations, the source said.
The mass resignation is attributed to poor welfare, inadequate equipment, and lack of motivation within the Army.
It was gathered that the soldiers are mostly in the medical corps, that many more are waiting to leave as their resignations were awaiting approval.
The frustration is with the Nigerian government's failure to ensure that they provide them with decent living conditions, modern weapons, and adequate compensation to combat a series of non-state actors ravaging the country.
the source said that “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.
“Even the planned protest, many soldiers are praying it should happen,” another source added.
A document obtained confirmed massive resignation by army personnel.
The document released by the Department of Personnel Management Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, dated August 24, 2024, approved the voluntary discharge of about 27 soldiers from the 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.
“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."
It was also reported that the Nigerian Government is yet to pay personnel of the Nigerian Army their August salaries and allowances.
This was disclosed in an internal memo issued by army authorities, the authorities urged the soldiers to exercise patience.
As the authorities said, efforts are ongoing to ensure payments of their entitlements.
below are exerpts from 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.”
