Nigerian Army said the report was a deliberate attempt to sow the seeds of disaffection and acrimony among its personnel
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Nigerian Army has refuted a claim that its officers are resigning in droves, describing the news as fake and baseless.
This was made known in a statement issued recently by Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu.
A news outlet had alleged mass resignation of Nigerian soldiers over issues bothering on corruption, low morale, among others.
Reacting to the report, the security outfit debunked the story, saying the information is misleading.
It went on to say it was a deliberate attempt to sow the seeds of disaffection and acrimony, as well as denigrate the patriotic service of personnel and reputation of the Nigerian Army.
Nwachukwu added, “Consequently, it is crucial to clarify that service in the Nigerian Army, like most militaries the world over, is voluntary and not conscriptive. This, therefore, provides that individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will.
“The situation is the same as the Nigerian Army. 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.
“This 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.”
The statement further said contrary to the insinuations in the report, Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is top priority under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
