The Nigerian Army has clarified that the voluntary retirement and discharge of personnel is a routine process, adhering to the established procedures in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for both officers and soldiers.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, addressed reports from certain media platforms that alleged mass resignations due to corruption and low morale. Nwachukwu dismissed these reports as misleading, stating they were aimed at creating disaffection and tarnishing the reputation of the Nigerian Army.
He emphasized that military service in the Nigerian Army, like in most countries, is voluntary, not based on conscription, and personnel are free to disengage in line with official procedures. Nwachukwu highlighted that the regular discharge of personnel is a structured process, allowing individuals to plan for their entitlements, such as pensions and gratuities, in an orderly manner.
The Director condemned the media reports as “hasty and haphazard,” pointing out that no due diligence was done to verify the reasons behind personnel discharges, which can vary from voluntary disengagement to medical reasons, or personal pursuits in other professions and community service. He clarified that the notion of soldiers resigning en masse due to welfare issues was a gross misrepresentation.
Nwachukwu also underscored the high morale and motivation of Army personnel, praising the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for prioritizing welfare. He mentioned several initiatives, including the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme (AHOOAS), which allows personnel to own homes after service. Additionally, he highlighted ongoing improvements in military infrastructure, regular payment of allowances, free medical evacuation, and upgraded military hospitals.
He concluded by urging media organizations to avoid becoming tools of disinformation and affirmed that the Nigerian Army would continue to prioritize the welfare and operational readiness of its personnel in defense of the nation.
