A recent report has revealed that over 1,000 soldiers have voluntarily resigned from the Nigerian Army over the past four years. The resignations occurred between 2020 and 2024, with various reasons cited, including personal and medical grounds.
The data indicates a steady number of soldiers opting to leave the service before reaching the mandatory retirement age or completing the required years of service.
In 2020, a total of 365 soldiers resigned, marking the highest number within the four-year period. This was followed by 127 resignations in 2021 and 261 in 2022. The trend continued in 2023, when the Army approved the retirement of 59 soldiers.
Most recently, in August 2024, 196 soldiers tendered their resignations, all of whom were directed to proceed on terminal leave starting November 1, as per a disengagement letter signed by Brigadier O.H. Musa.
The letter instructed the relevant units to ensure that the discharging soldiers complete the necessary forms and submit them by September 6.
It partly read, “In accordance with the provisions of References A and B, the COAS vide Reference C approved the voluntary discharge of the above-named soldier and 195 others listed in Annex A. The soldiers are to proceed on terminal leave with effect from 1 November 24 while their disengagement date takes effect from 30 November 24.
“Accordingly, I am directed to respectfully request you to cause the affected soldiers’ units to ensure that the discharging soldiers complete the following forms as enclosed and forward the same to this Department no later than 6 September 24.”
Commenting on the trend, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated that the decision to serve in the Nigerian Army is entirely voluntary and not by conscription.
He emphasized that, while some soldiers leave due to medical reasons, others resign for personal reasons. He further explained that discharges and retirements in the military are processed according to established criteria and the terms and conditions of service of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Onyema said, “Though I do not have the exact details of yearly retirements or discharge of personnel currently, I can say that officers and soldiers are processed for retirement or discharge by time, based on laid down criteria and provisions of the terms and conditions of service of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, especially those who have served out their mandatory 35 years of service.
“A few retire or discharge on medical grounds, while very few seek discharge voluntarily for personal reasons. Retiring or discharging from active service is, therefore, not a strange phenomenon, as this is also obtainable in other local and international security and civil organisations. I must add quickly that service in the Nigerian Army is not by conscription.”
