A total of 127 soldiers have reportedly resigned from the Nigerian army amid the worsening security challenges being faced in some parts of the country.
According to a memo obtained by Premium Times, the soldiers who are drawn from various formations of the army across the country are all of the junior cadres who are mostly at the forefront in the field.
The military personnel comprising of one Master Warrant Officer, three Warrant Officers, 22 Staff Sergeants, 29 Sergeants, 64 Corporals, seven Lance Corporals and one Private, will quit in May as Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai has since approved their formal disengagement.
According to the memo signed by T.A Gagariga, a brigadier general, who communicated the approval of their disengagements, the 127 soldiers are to submit all military properties in their possession.
However, there was no clarification on those embarking on voluntary retirement and those leaving the army on medical grounds.
The memo partly reads;
In compliance with the provisions of section A, the COAS vide reference B has approved the voluntary discharge of the above named NWO and 126 others listed in annex A. The soldiers are to proceed on terminal leave WEF 26th April, 21 while their disengagement date takes effect from 26th May 21 in accordance with the NA administrative policies and procedures No. 27 paragraphs 3 and 4.
Accordingly, I am directed to request you relate to their respective units to release the affected soldiers to report to HQ CAR with their unit service documents for documentation NLT 5th January 21 and ensure that:
a. All forms of military controlled items, arms, ammunition and items of combat kits are recovered from the soldiers prior to their disengagement date and certified that they are properly de-kitted.
b. They complete all necessary documentation for withdrawal from: 1. NAWIS contributions 2. DENFUND contribution 3. National Mortgage Contributions.
Their resignation comes after a larger number of their colleagues quit en masse last July, a development which insiders in the military said was indicative of low morale in the forces, the publication said.
Nigerian Armed Forces, comprising the Army, Navy and Air Force, had in the past lamented about insufficient personnel to help in restoration of sanity in the country.
Confirming this recently, the Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, a retired major general, said the military was understaffed and underfunded to tackle the various security challenges facing the country.
