No fewer than 196 soldiers in Nigeria’s North-East and other operational theaters have applied for voluntary retirement. The soldiers submitted their applications to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, amid escalating security challenges facing the Nigerian military across several parts of the country.
According to sources, many of these soldiers have expressed interest in joining foreign military forces, including the British Army, Ukrainian Army, and other Commonwealth nations. The soldiers, who are primarily from junior ranks and drawn from various army formations across Nigeria, were included in a list obtained on Saturday, showing those seeking to exit the service.
The Chief of Army Staff has approved the formal disengagement of these soldiers, which was confirmed in a document dated August 23, signed by Brigadier OH Musa. The list does not specify whether the soldiers are leaving due to voluntary retirement or medical reasons. Notably, none of the soldiers had reached the retirement age or completed the mandatory years of service required to retire.
Reports suggest that allegations of corruption within the Nigerian Army have played a role in the soldiers’ decision to resign. Many soldiers have complained about being kept on the war front in the North-East beyond their approved duration, leading to low morale and a lack of willingness to continue fighting. This has contributed to several recent incidents where terrorists have overrun military camps.
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Soldiers have also expressed frustration over poor welfare conditions, inadequate equipment, and insufficient motivation within the Nigerian Army. Sources told SaharaReporters that some personnel are already planning to join foreign armies as they see no future in the current environment. “Soldiers are leaving because the work is no longer sustainable. People are running every day to join the British Army, Ukraine, Russia, Commonwealth army, and the likes,” said one military source.
Further reports indicate that more soldiers are expected to leave the Nigerian Army soon, including those from the infantry corps and armored corps. Many within the ranks are also praying for a planned protest against the Nigerian government’s failure to provide decent living conditions, modern weapons, and adequate compensation to combat various non-state actors threatening the country.
