Real reason we publish names of disengaged soldiers – Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has addressed recent concerns regarding the publication of names of soldiers who have disengaged from service, stating that this practice is a routine procedure aligned with established protocols.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Army spokesman Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu emphasized that the release of these names is a standard part of the army’s administrative process and is not indicative of any underlying issues.

This clarification follows reports from various online media outlets suggesting a mass resignation of soldiers due to issues related to welfare and corruption.

But Gen. Nwachukwu described the allegations as false, unfounded and a “deliberate attempt to sow the seeds of disaffection and acrimony, as well as denigrate the patriotic service of personnel and reputation of the Nigerian Army.”

He said: “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.

“Discharge from the Nigerian Army is routine and in line with laid down procedures. Only in an unorganized 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 mandatory or voluntarily disengage to adequately prepare and process entitlements, emoluments, pensions, and gratuity for the period of service to the nation.

“In the instance cited in the hasty and haphazardly compiled report, due diligence was not taken to ascertain reasons for the discharge of the personnel, other than the spurious allegation of low morale and corruption. Whereas reasons for the discharge of personnel are confidential, they range from voluntary disengagement, medical grounds, pursuit of other professions of interest and endeavours, and community service, amongst others. The notion that soldiers are resigning enmasse due to welfare issues is a gross misrepresentation of reality and certainly not the true picture.”

The army spokesman said that contrary to the insinuations in the report, Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is top priority under the visionary leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

He said: “Suffice to state that within one year of the current leadership, significant strides have been made to improve the standards of living and the overall well-being of personnel and their families. A prime example is the Affordable Housing Option for All Soldiers Scheme, aka AHOOAS, which has been launched across the nation, allowing personnel to choose where to live and own decent post service accommodation. This initiative underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring that personnel enjoy dignified post-service life.

“Furthermore, the Nigerian Army is currently undertaking massive rehabilitation of existing and construction of new infrastructure across Nigerian Army formations, units, and barracks in the country to ensure conducive working and living atmosphere for troops and their families.

“Additionally, allowances have been regularly paid as at when due for soldiers deployed in operational theaters. This is aside the regular free airlifting of troops proceeding on leaves and passes, as well as free medical evacuation of injured troops for both local and foreign treatments. Military hospitals and medical centres are equally receiving remodeling and upgrading of equipment for efficient service delivery to personnel and their families.”

“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.”