In a surprising development, no fewer than 196 soldiers stationed in the North-East and other operational areas across Nigeria have submitted applications for voluntary retirement to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja.
The soldiers’ decision comes amidst the country’s worsening security challenges, which have severely tested the Nigerian military’s resilience.
Sources disclosed that many of these soldiers are considering joining the armed forces of other nations, including the British Army, Ukrainian Army, and military units in Commonwealth countries.
According to a list obtained on Saturday, the soldiers applying for retirement are mostly from junior ranks and represent various formations across Nigeria.
While the list includes personnel leaving voluntarily and others seeking medical discharge, none of the soldiers had reached the mandatory retirement age or completed the required years of service.
The Chief of Army Staff approved their disengagement, which was formalized in a letter signed by Brigadier OH Musa on August 23.
This wave of retirements follows growing frustration among soldiers over issues like poor welfare, inadequate equipment, and extended deployments in conflict zones such as the North-East, where they have been engaged in the fight against Boko Haram and other insurgent groups.
Allegations of deep-rooted corruption within the Nigerian Army have been highlighted by several soldiers, who argue that it has undermined the anti-terrorism campaign in the region.
One of the primary complaints centers on the prolonged deployment of soldiers beyond their designated service periods, leading to a decline in morale and recent setbacks in the fight against militants.
Some soldiers have reported that their units were overrun by terrorists due to a lack of adequate support and motivation from military leadership.
In a recent report by Sahara Reporters, military sources revealed that more soldiers are expected to resign in the coming weeks.
“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. That’s what is happening now,” one military source shared.
This growing exodus of personnel presents a significant challenge for the Nigerian Army, as it continues to grapple with rising insurgency, terrorism, and other security threats across the country.