Mass Exodus Hits Nigerian Army as Soldiers Flee to Foreign Forces Due to Poor Welfare and Inadequate Equipment
Nigeria – A staggering number of Nigerian Army personnel have resigned from the service to join military forces in other countries, including the British Army, Ukrainian Army, and Commonwealth nations. The mass exodus is attributed to poor living conditions, inadequate equipment, and lack of motivation within the Nigerian Army.
According to Saharareporters sources close to the military revealed that the majority of those resigning are from the medical corps, with more soldiers expected to leave as their resignations await approval. The disgruntled soldiers are frustrated with the government’s failure to provide them with decent living conditions, modern weapons, and adequate compensation to combat the country’s numerous security challenges.
One source within the military described the situation as unsustainable, stating that soldiers are “running every day to join foreign armies” due to the lack of incentives and poor working conditions. The planned protest by soldiers is also gaining momentum, with many praying for its success.
A document obtained by SaharaReporters confirms the massive resignation by army personnel. The document, dated August 24, 2024, approved the voluntary discharge of 27 soldiers from the service. The soldiers are expected to complete their terminal leave and disengagement date before proceeding to the Department of Personnel Management for final documentation.
The Nigerian Army’s spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, could not be reached for comments despite repeated attempts. This development comes on the heels of several instances of non-payment of bonuses and delays in salaries of soldiers by the Nigerian government.
In a recent memo, army authorities urged soldiers to exercise patience as efforts are being made to ensure prompt payment of their entitlements. However, this is not a new phenomenon in Nigeria, as delays in payment of salaries and bonuses have been a recurring issue in the past.
The exodus of Nigerian Army personnel has sparked concerns about the country’s national security and its ability to tackle ongoing security challenges. As the government struggles to address these issues, many are left wondering what can be done to stem the tide of mass resignations and restore morale within the military.
Join our Channel...