Contrary to reports in sections of the media and on social media that soldiers of the Nigeria Army (NA) are proceeding on voluntary retirement due to alleged corruption, poor service conditions, and low morale, the NA High Command says that nothing could be farther from the truth.
The spokesman of the NA, Brigadier Onyema Nwachukwu, who described the allegations as untrue, said: “The subjective and unethical report is a distraction and another failed attempt at dampening the morale and fighting will of the loyal, dedicated, and patriotic fighting force of the NA.
“Perhaps these impenitent mischief makers need to be schooled to understand that the NA is not a conscript army and that recruitment into the NA is voluntary with an extant policy on discharge and retirement of soldiers and officers respectively, like other organizations.
“This provides its personnel the opportunity to apply for voluntary discharge when they deem fit and meet the terms and conditions as stipulated in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service soldiers/ratings/airmen 2017.
“It is thus, the inalienable right of personnel to voluntarily or on medical grounds apply for discharge if they meet the terms. It is therefore not an aberration that the COAS approved for 91 NA/32/4792 WO Ndagana Ishiaku and 242 others to voluntarily discharge from the NA, as being unprofessionally manipulated by some media.”
He added: “Also worthy of note is the welfare flight for troops, which has significantly reduced the burden of troops traveling in and out of the theatres, in addition to a huge commitment to the medical needs of wounded-in-action soldiers and the barracks communities.
“The COAS once again congratulates the discharging personnel for their gallantry, patriotism, loyalty, and courage while in service and wishes them the very best as they successfully exit active service from the NA.
Source: Channels TV