The Nigerian Army has denied reports of soldiers’ mass resignation due to allegations of corruption and low morale.
The denial was contained in a statement on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Major General Onyema Nwachuckwu.
He emphasized that the report about the mass resignation is misleading and a deliberate attempt to sow the seeds of disaffection and acrimony, as well as denigrate the patriotic service of personnel and the reputation of the Nigerian Army.
Nwachukwu added that service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary and not conscriptive, as individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will based on established procedures.
According to him, the allegation of widespread resignation due to poor welfare is not only unfounded but also irrational.
“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.
“Discharge from the Nigerian Army is routine and in line with laid down procedures.
“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,” he said.
Reacting to the particular report, the Army spokesperson said, “Due diligence was not taken to ascertain reasons for the discharge of the personnel, other than the spurious allegation of low morale and corruption.”
He submitted that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is top priority under the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
“Therefore, the allegation of widespread resignation due to poor welfare is not only unfounded but also irrational.
“The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its personnel. It is, however, appalling to witness concerted attempts to distort the truth for sensationalism in the media,” he said.
Nwachukwu urged the media always to verify information before publication and avoid being tools of disinformation.