The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of mass resignations of its soldiers due to corruption, low morale, and other factors.
The Authority of the Nigerian Army, in a statement signed by Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, described the reports as unfounded.
The report by a news outlet alleging the mass resignation of Nigerian soldiers for previously mentioned reasons was described as not only misleading but a deliberate attempt to sow discord and enmity and belittle the patriotic service of personnel and the reputation of the Nigerian Army.
“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,” he said.
The report stated that the Nigerian Army personnel are fired up and their welfare is paramount under the leadership of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).