A growing number of soldiers from the Nigerian Army have reportedly resigned to enlist in the military forces of other nations, including the British Army, Ukrainian Army, and other Commonwealth countries, SaharaReporters has learned.
Sources familiar with the situation revealed that the wave of resignations stems from poor welfare conditions, lack of proper equipment, and low morale within the Nigerian Army. Most of the soldiers who have left so far belong to the medical corps.
According to insiders, even more soldiers are expected to resign soon, as many of their applications are still awaiting approval. These sources expressed frustration over the Nigerian government’s inability to provide adequate living conditions, modern military equipment, or proper compensation to tackle the various insurgencies and security challenges plaguing the country.
One source explained, “Twenty-seven personnel are leaving now, and all of them are from the medical corps. Infantry and armoured corps soldiers are still set to follow. Many more will leave in the coming days.”
Another military source added, “Soldiers are leaving because they can no longer cope with the conditions. Every day, more are joining the British Army, Ukrainian forces, Russian military, and Commonwealth armies. That’s the reality now.”
Some soldiers are reportedly hoping that a protest planned within the military will materialize soon, as it reflects the widespread dissatisfaction across the ranks.
SaharaReporters obtained a document confirming the mass resignation of army personnel. The document, issued by the Department of Personnel Management at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment on August 24, 2024, granted voluntary discharge to 27 soldiers.
The statement reads: “In line with the provisions of References A and B, the COAS via NASHO Reference C approved the voluntary discharge of the listed soldier and 26 others in Annex A.”
The soldiers are expected to begin terminal leave on November 1, 2024, with their disengagement taking effect by November 30, 2024.
It further directed, “The affected units are to ensure that all military-controlled items, including arms, ammunition, and combat kits, are recovered from the discharging soldiers before their disengagement date.”
Additionally, the soldiers are required to submit two passport photos and several official photographs in full military dress before reporting to the department for final discharge certification.
Efforts to reach the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, for comment have been unsuccessful, as he has not responded to calls or messages.
SaharaReporters has previously reported numerous cases of unpaid bonuses and delayed salaries among Nigerian soldiers. Earlier this week, it was revealed that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Nigerian Army had yet to receive their August salaries and allowances.
An internal memo from army authorities, obtained by SaharaReporters, urged the soldiers to remain patient as efforts were underway to resolve the payment issues.
The memo read: “LATE PAYMENT OF SALARIES AND ALLOWANCES FOR AUGUST 2024. WE INFORM ALL TROOPS THAT SALARIES AND ALLOWANCES FOR AUGUST HAVE NOT YET BEEN PAID BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. EFFORTS ARE ONGOING TO ENSURE PAYMENT IS MADE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. TROOPS ARE REQUESTED TO REMAIN PATIENT. PLEASE TREAT THIS AS URGENT.”
Delays in the payment of salaries and bonuses are not uncommon within the Nigerian Army. Back in October 2022, several soldiers raised concerns over the delayed payment of their wages, as well as the lack of salary increases despite being in service for over a decade.
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