Reports indicate that 196 soldiers across various regions in Nigeria, including the troubled North-East, have tendered their voluntary retirement requests to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. This information was revealed by SaharaReporters.
This mass exodus comes as the Nigerian military struggles to address increasing security challenges nationwide. Insiders suggest that many of the soldiers are seeking to explore opportunities within foreign armed forces, including the British Army, Ukrainian forces, and other Commonwealth military units.
The soldiers who have decided to leave are predominantly from junior ranks and come from different formations within the army. While their reasons for resigning vary, sources claim that some soldiers have expressed dissatisfaction with what they describe as widespread corruption in the Nigerian Army.
Many soldiers cite concerns over prolonged deployment in conflict zones like the North-East without appropriate rotation, which they believe is exacerbating existing issues.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja has reportedly accepted the retirement requests, according to a list signed by Brigadier OH Musa on August 23. The list comprises soldiers resigning voluntarily and on medical grounds, though none of them have yet reached the mandatory retirement age or completed their years of service.
Soldiers have voiced grievances about poor welfare conditions, outdated equipment, and a general decline in morale. Many accuse military leadership of neglect, which they claim hinders the fight against Boko Haram and other security threats in the region.
“Many soldiers are now considering joining foreign military forces due to feelings of abandonment and lack of prospects within the current system. The discontent is growing, driven by poor working conditions and excessive deployment assignments,” a source disclosed.
This mass resignation underscores the internal challenges Nigeria’s military faces as it continues to tackle insurgency and other security threats, while struggling with diminishing morale and unresolved grievances within its ranks.
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(Source: SaharaReporters)