A total of 196 soldiers stationed in various regions of Nigeria, including the conflict-ridden North-East, have reportedly submitted requests for voluntary retirement to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, SaharaReporters has reported.
Their decision comes as Nigeria’s military continues to grapple with heightened security threats across the country.
According to military insiders, a significant number of these soldiers are reportedly exploring opportunities to join the armed forces of foreign nations, including the British Army, Ukrainian forces, and other Commonwealth military units.
The soldiers involved in this mass resignation hail from multiple army formations and belong to junior ranks.
While their reasons for leaving differ, some sources indicate the soldiers have voiced dissatisfaction with the alleged corruption within the Nigerian Army.
These allegations have intensified as soldiers claim that the prolonged deployment in conflict zones, such as the North-East, without proper rotation, is exacerbating the problem.
Lt. Gen. Lagbaja has approved the soldiers’ requests for retirement, as per a list signed by Brigadier OH Musa on August 23.
While the list of resignations includes soldiers leaving on both voluntary and medical grounds, none of them have reached the retirement age or completed the mandatory years of service.
Sources reveal that the soldiers’ frustration stems from inadequate welfare, a lack of modern equipment, and declining morale.
They accuse military leadership of neglecting their needs, further complicating the fight against Boko Haram insurgents and other threats in the region.
One source noted, “Many soldiers are considering joining foreign military forces because they feel abandoned and see no future in the current system. There is a growing discontent due to the poor working conditions and overstretched assignments.”
This development highlights the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s military, as it continues to battle insurgency while dealing with internal morale issues.
(SAHARAREPORTERS)
