BREAKING: 196 Nigerian Soldiers Resign Amid Corruption Allegations, Low Morale
Abuja, Nigeria — A total of 196 soldiers, primarily junior cadres stationed in the North-East and other operational areas, have submitted their resignation letters to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. This development comes amid escalating security challenges in Nigeria and growing dissatisfaction within the ranks of the military.
According to sources, the soldiers, who have been drawn from various army formations across the country, are seeking voluntary retirement, with some reportedly exploring opportunities to join the military forces of other countries, including the British Army, Ukrainian Army, and other Commonwealth nations.
The resignation letters were approved on August 23 by Brigadier OH Musa, with the disengagements falling under voluntary retirement and medical grounds. Notably, none of the soldiers had reached retirement age or completed the mandatory years of service.
The resignations come in the wake of allegations of corruption within the Nigerian Army. Soldiers have expressed frustrations over being kept on the frontlines of the anti-terrorism war in the North-East beyond their approved periods, leading to low morale and a lack of willingness to continue the fight. Some soldiers have accused the military leadership of corruption, which they claim is undermining efforts to combat terrorism effectively.
This mass resignation highlights the challenges facing the Nigerian military as it continues to battle insurgency and other security threats across the country.