The Nigerian Army says Discharge from the service is routine and in line with laid down procedures
A statement by the spokesman Major General onyema Nwachukwu says recent publications alleging mass resignation of Nigerian Army soldiers over corruption, low morale and the like is not only misleading, but also a deliberate attempt to sew the seeds of disaffection and acrimony, as well as denigrate the patriotic service of personnel and reputation of the Nigerian Army.
He said the Army like most militaries, is voluntary and not conscriptive and provides that individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will.
Personnel are at liberty to disengage from time to time in accordance with laid down procedures as contained in the Harmonized terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers) alike
Onyema added that Only in an unorganised army would the discharge of personnel be handled haphazardly; hence, the compilation and release of names routinely, as must have been observed in the case of the Nigerian Army over the years.
The process allows for personnel who are about to either mandatorily or voluntarily disengage to adequately prepare and process entitlements, emoluments, pensions, and gratuity for the period of service to the nation.
He said the reasons for the discharge of personnel are confidential, and range from voluntary disengagements, medical grounds, pursuit of other professions of interest and endeavours, and community service, amongst others.
The notion that soldiers are resigning enmasse due to welfare issues is a gross misrepresentation of reality and certainly not the true picture.
Instead, Nigerian Army recruitments are highly competitive and even over subscribed.
He said Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is top priority which is evident in the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme, rehabilitation of existing and construction of new infrastructure across Nigerian Army formations, units, and barracks in the country, and allowances paid as at when due for soldiers deployed in operational theaters, regular free airliftng of troops proceeding on leaves and passes, as well as free medical evacuation of injured troops for both local and foreign treatments, Military hospitals and medical centres remodeling, upgrading of equipment for efficient service delivery to personnel and their families.
Provision of combat enablers injected into all theatres of operations across the country to enhance troops’ operational effectiveness and ensure adequate force protection.
The army called on media organizations to verify information before publication and avoid being tools of disinformation.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
