At least 196 soldiers, primarily junior officers from various units nationwide, submitted their resignation letters to the Nigerian Army authorities on Friday, August 23.
Although the exact reasons for their resignations have not been officially disclosed, security sources suggest that the soldiers are leaving due to low morale stemming from challenging conditions in the country.
A memo dated August 23 and signed by Brig.-Gen. O. H. Musa outlined that the final withdrawal of these officers is set to commence on November 30, 2024.
He said based on a memo, “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 Nov 24 while their disengagement date takes effect from 30 Nov 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 Sep 24.”
Expanding on the situation, Nwachukwu explained that the Nigerian Army decided to compile the names of all those who submitted resignation letters to discharge them in an organized manner.
“Only in an unorganised army would the discharge of personnel be handled haphazardly; hence, the compilation and release of names routinely, as must have been observed in the case of the Nigerian Army over the years.
“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 senior military officer said.
