By Ademola Tijani
The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of mass resignations by its soldiers due to alleged corruption among the top echelon and the resultant low morale among the rank and file.
In a statement released by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the Army labeled such a report as baseless.
A media outlet had alleged that a significant number of Nigerian soldiers were resigning over corruption and low morale.
However, the Army’s statement called the report 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.”
“Consequently, it is crucial to clarify that service in the Nigerian Army, like most militaries the world over, is voluntary and not by conscript. This, therefore, provides that individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will,” the statement emphasized.
It further explained: “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 as contained in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers) alike. 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.”
The Army also reiterated that, contrary to the claims made in the report, Nigerian soldiers remain “highly motivated,” with their welfare being a top priority under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
The phenomenon of mass resignations within the Nigerian Army has become a source of growing concern over the recent years.
While this issue is not entirely new, it has garnered increasing attention due to its far-reaching implications on national security, the morale of soldiers, and the overall operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
These resignations, particularly when occurring on a large scale, raise alarm about the Army’s ability to maintain its strength, readiness, and capability to tackle the multiple security challenges facing the country.
The growing trend of soldiers leaving the service has drawn both public and media scrutiny, with reports highlighting the underlying causes that drive individuals to resign prematurely.
These developments have not gone unnoticed by the Nigerian public and experts, prompting debates on the root causes of discontent among the ranks. Various reports and findings indicate that this mass exodus from the military is driven by multiple interrelated factors.
Despite official denials from military authorities, these reports shed light on the issues soldiers face, many of which remain unresolved and continue to exacerbate dissatisfaction.
One of the key contributors to this troubling trend is insecurity. Soldiers, particularly those deployed in high-risk conflict zones such as the northeastern part of Nigeria, face continuous exposure to life-threatening dangers posed by insurgent groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province).
The prolonged engagements in these areas, without adequate rest or relief, have led to severe psychological stress and emotional fatigue, leaving many soldiers demoralized and seeking a way out of the military.
Closely tied to this is the issue of welfare and working conditions, which has also been repeatedly cited as a major factor behind the resignations. Many soldiers complain of inadequate support in terms of salaries, medical care, housing, and general living conditions. In some cases, soldiers have faced delayed payments, poor healthcare access, and substandard accommodation, all of which contribute to a sense of neglect and frustration. The perceived lack of proper recognition and reward for the sacrifices made in service to the nation only further deepens the resentment.
Another critical aspect fueling the wave of resignations is leadership and command issues. Reports suggest that corruption, favoritism, and poor leadership within the military hierarchy have eroded trust between soldiers and their commanders.
Many soldiers feel unfairly treated, marginalized, or subjected to harsh disciplinary measures, which demotivates them and lowers their willingness to continue serving under such conditions. Furthermore, the failure to provide sufficient leadership and guidance in times of crisis has been seen as a major source of discontent.
Additionally, the lure of better opportunities in civilian life has contributed to the decision of many soldiers to voluntarily resign from the military. With the growing demand for security professionals in the private sector, particularly in industries like oil and gas, private security firms, and other high-paying roles, some soldiers view civilian life as more rewarding than their current military careers. The financial incentives and stability offered by these alternatives can be very attractive, especially to soldiers who feel undervalued or stuck in the military.
All these factors, as identified by Daily Query and other sources, paint a complex picture of the challenges facing the Nigerian Army. While military authorities have publicly denied any large-scale resignation crisis, these issues remain persistent, indicating a need for comprehensive reforms to address the dissatisfaction plaguing the ranks.
Failure to address these challenges could further undermine the operational capacity of the Nigerian Armed Forces at a time when the country faces increasing security threats on multiple fronts.
