“According to media reports, a total of 1,008 soldiers have tendered their resignations from the Nigerian Army between 2020 and 2024. A breakdown of the figures reveals that:
· In 2023, the Nigerian Army approved the retirement of at least 59 soldiers.
· In August 2024, 196 soldiers resigned from the army.
· In 2022, a total of 261 soldiers resigned.
· In 2021, 127 soldiers resigned.
· In 2020, 365 soldiers resigned.
These figures indicate a significant trend of soldiers leaving the Nigerian Army over the past four years.”
“An investigation by our correspondent revealed that the soldiers who submitted their resignations had not yet reached the mandatory retirement age nor completed the required years of service. Nevertheless, according to a disengagement letter dated August 23, 2024, signed by Brigadier O.H. Musa, the 196 soldiers who resigned have been instructed to commence their terminal leave on November 1, 2024. This directive formalizes their separation from the Nigerian Army, despite not having met the standard criteria for retirement or completion of service.”
“The disengagement letter, referencing applicable regulations (References A and B), states that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) has approved the voluntary discharge of the aforementioned soldier and 195 others listed in Annex A, as per Reference C. The approved terms of discharge dictate that the affected soldiers will:
· Commence terminal leave on November 1, 2024
· Officially disengage from service on November 30, 2024
This formalizes their separation from the Nigerian Army, in accordance with the specified conditions
“Furthermore, I am instructed to request that you ensure the affected soldiers’ units complete the attached forms and submit them to this Department by September 6, 2024, at the latest.
In response to the recent resignations, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, stated that service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary, rather than compulsory. He attributed the reasons for the soldiers’ departure to various factors, including medical grounds and personal reasons, emphasizing that the decision to leave was not taken under duress.”
“According to Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, ‘While I do not have the precise details of annual retirements or discharges, I can confirm that personnel are processed for retirement or discharge based on established criteria and provisions outlined in the terms and conditions of service of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. This typically occurs after completing their mandatory 35 years of service.
He further explained that some individuals may retire or be discharged due to medical reasons, while a smaller number may choose to leave voluntarily for personal reasons. General Nwachukwu emphasized that retirement or discharge from active service is a common occurrence, both domestically and internationally, across security and civil organizations. He also reiterated that service in the Nigerian Army is entirely voluntary, with no instances of conscription.'”
