A growing number of Nigerian soldiers have reportedly resigned from the army to join military forces in other countries, including the British and Ukrainian armies, as well as those of Commonwealth nations, according to a report by SaharaReporters.
Sources within the military attributed the resignations to poor welfare conditions, lack of proper equipment, and dwindling motivation among personnel. The majority of those resigning are said to be from the medical corps, though other units are also expected to follow.
Read Also : NNPCL Official Urges Nigerians to Prepare for More Fuel Scarcity
The report highlighted that many soldiers are still awaiting approval for their resignations, with some citing frustration over inadequate living conditions, outdated weaponry, and insufficient compensation, particularly in the face of ongoing conflicts with non-state actors across Nigeria.
One military source informed SaharaReporters, “A set of 27 personnel are leaving, and this set is only from the medical corps. The infantry corps and armoured corps are still coming. Many more will leave. 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.”
70-Year-Old British Fugitive Andrew Wynne Explains Why He Won’t Honour Police Invitation
In addition to the resignations, the source also mentioned that several soldiers are hoping for a planned protest to materialize, reflecting growing dissatisfaction within the ranks.
A document obtained by SaharaReporters confirmed a mass wave of resignations, dated August 24, 2024, and issued by the Department of Personnel Management at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment. The document approved the voluntary discharge of 27 soldiers.
The resignation statement reads: “In accordance with the provisions of References A and B, the COAS, via NASHO Reference C, approved the voluntary discharge of the above-named soldier and 26 others listed at Annex A. The soldiers are to proceed on terminal leave with effect from November 1, 2024, while their disengagement date takes effect from November 30, 2024.”
The document further instructed that the departing soldiers should return all military-controlled items, including arms, ammunition, and combat kits, before their official discharge.
Attempts to contact the army spokesperson, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, for comments were unsuccessful, as he neither responded to phone calls nor replied to text messages.
This development comes amid ongoing reports of delayed salary payments and unpaid bonuses for Nigerian soldiers. Earlier in August, SaharaReporters reported that soldiers had not received their salaries for that month under the administration of President Bola Tinubu. An internal memo urged soldiers to remain patient, assuring them that efforts were being made to expedite the payment.
The issue of delayed salary payments is not new. In October 2022, soldiers expressed frustration over similar delays and the lack of salary increases, despite many having served for more than a decade without adjustments to their wages.
