The Nigerian Army on Sunday, described reports alleging mass resignation of soldiers over corruption and low morale as false, and targeted at sowing the seeds of disaffection and acrimony in the Force.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed in a statement yesterday in Abuja.
The statement came on the heels of a report by some media outlets, alleging the mass resignation of soldiers due to poor welfare and corruption.
Nwachukwu clarified that service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary and not conscription and that individuals are free and at liberty to disengage at will from time to time under laid-down procedures as contained in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers /Soldiers) alike.
He made it clear that discharge from the Nigerian Army is routine and in line with laid down procedures, adding that. In contrast, reasons for the discharge of personnel are confidential, they range from voluntary disengagements, medical grounds, the pursuit of other professions of interest and endeavors, and community service, amongst others.
“The notion that soldiers are resigning en masse due to welfare issues is a gross misrepresentation of reality and certainly not the true picture.
“Instead, Nigerian Army recruitments are highly competitive and even over-subscribed.
“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 (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
“The army has continued to steadily and consistently walk the talk, as pledged in the COAS Command philosophy to ‘transform the Nigerian Army into a well trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment’.
The army spokesperson urged the media to refrain from distorting the truth for sensationalism and always to verify information before publication, to avoid being disinformation tools.
The Nigerian Army, he said, will continue to prioritize the welfare and morale of its personnel, ensuring they remain motivated and fully equipped to carry out their duties in defense of the nation.
