**Nigerian Army Refutes Claims of Mass Resignations Over Corruption and Low Morale**
The Nigerian Army has dismissed recent reports of mass resignations by soldiers due to corruption and low morale as unfounded and misleading. In a statement by Army Spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army described the reports as a deliberate attempt to sow discord and undermine the patriotic service of its personnel.
Nwachukwu emphasized that service in the Nigerian Army, like most militaries around the world, is voluntary and not conscriptive, allowing soldiers to disengage from service according to established 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 (Officers/Soldiers) alike,” he stated.
He clarified that discharge from the Army is a routine process, handled in an organized manner, unlike what was implied by the reports. “Only in an unorganized army would the discharge of personnel be handled haphazardly; hence, the compilation and release of names routinely,” Nwachukwu explained. This process, he said, ensures that soldiers preparing to leave the service have time to process their entitlements, pensions, and gratuities for their years of service.
Contrary to the allegations, Nwachukwu pointed out that there are several reasons for personnel disengagement, including voluntary exit, medical grounds, pursuit of other career opportunities, or community service. He added that the suggestion of widespread resignations due to welfare issues was “a gross misrepresentation of reality and certainly not the true picture.”
“Instead, Nigerian Army recruitments are highly competitive and even oversubscribed,” Nwachukwu stated. He further noted that under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, personnel welfare is a top priority, and the Army has made significant strides in improving the living standards of soldiers and their families.
One such initiative is the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme (AHOOAS), which allows personnel to choose where to live and own post-service accommodation. “This initiative underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring that personnel enjoy dignified post-service life,” Nwachukwu said.
Additionally, the Army has been rehabilitating existing infrastructure and constructing new facilities across its formations, units, and barracks to create a better working and living environment for troops and their families. Allowances for soldiers in operational areas have been consistently paid on time, Nwachukwu affirmed.
“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 local and foreign treatments,” he added. Military hospitals and medical centers have also been undergoing upgrades to ensure efficient service delivery to personnel and their families.
Nwachukwu also highlighted the Army’s efforts to enhance combat capabilities and operational effectiveness by injecting combat enablers into all theaters of operations. He stressed that both officers and soldiers are regularly engaged in training activities to build their capacities in line with global best practices.
“The allegation of widespread resignation due to poor welfare is not only unfounded but also irrational,” Nwachukwu said, reaffirming the Army’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel. He criticized media outlets for spreading misinformation and urged them to verify their sources before publication.
“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its personnel. It is appalling to witness concerted attempts to distort the truth for sensationalism in the media,” he concluded.
Nwachukwu reiterated that the Army will continue to prioritize the welfare and morale of its soldiers, ensuring they remain motivated and well-equipped to fulfill their duties in defense of the nation.
