Nigerian Army denies reports linking resignation of 25 soldiers to suspicions of corruption

The Nigerian Army has denied the reports linking the resignation of 25 soldiers to suspicions of corruption.

Brig-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the director of army public relations, denounced the suggestion in a statement, calling it an effort to hastily undermine the combat spirit and morale of the NA’s devoted, devoted, and loyal soldiers.

Therefore, Brig-Gen Nwachukwu emphasised that the Nigerian Army often conducts voluntary retirement or release.

He declared, “The Nigerian Army is obligated to reply to claims in a publication by online news source Sahara Reporters, linking 25 soldiers’ resignations to charges of corruption against the Nigerian Army.

The suggestion that the soldiers are proceeding on voluntary discharge due to alleged corruption is an implausible effort to frantically lower the morale and fighting spirit of the loyal, dedicated, and patriotic troops of the NA, foster disaffection in the ranks, and ultimately put the fledgling Nigerian Government and nation in a panic mode.

Evidently, the medium and its owners need to receive education to comprehend that the NA is not a conscript Army and that recruitment into the NA is voluntary, with existing procedures on discharge and retirement of troops and officers, respectively, like other organisations. When they feel it appropriate and satisfy the requirements outlined in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Soldiers/Ratings/Airmen (Revised) 2017, this gives its personnel the option to apply for a voluntary discharge or retirement. Personnel have the unalienable right to request release either voluntarily or for medical reasons.

Accordingly, “Contrary to the malicious distortion of the incident by the media in question, it is not an abnormality for the COAS to sanction the voluntary discharge of troops, who willingly applied and satisfy the requirements for discharge from the NA.”

Given the background of the tarnishing story’s publishers, whose concerted effort has always been characterised by “pull him down” syndrome, disunity, a desire for violent disorder, revolution, and atrocious propaganda, Nwachukwu continued, “Any discerning mind realises that the publication was sinisterly and treasonably conjectured to deflate the high morale of the troops.

“It is known that the NA has consistently worked to give its employees a friendly, welcoming work atmosphere and conditions. This is clear from the NA’s ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capabilities, including the deployment of equipment into the theatres of operations, the prompt payment of operational allowances, including the recently increased Ration Cash Allowance by the new Chief of Army Staff, the massive building of new housing, and the extensive renovation of outdated and dilapidated structures.

“These are on top of the enormous financial commitment to the medical needs of wounded-in-action soldiers, including medical evacuation overseas, the award of scholarships to children and wards of fallen heroes, and other innovative interventions in the theatres of operations to sustain the soaring morale of troops.

“Equally crucial is the planned execution of Army Headquarters’ plan for the rotation of troops away from the front lines. As a result, problems with overstaying and battle weariness are being addressed and eventually eliminated.

He emphasised that the NA, under the command of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity, probity, and professionalism by providing exemplary and practical leadership, Sound Administration, that will continue to firmly guarantee the welfare and motivation of NA personnel as well as provide necessary enablers for operational effectiveness, all the while preserving public confidence.

He asked the general public to disregard the deceptive allegations made in the aforementioned publication because they are blatantly unsupported.