Share this
At least 44 Nigerian soldiers have been declared as deserters after failing to report to their assigned units in Borno State, as per an official military signal obtained by SaharaReporters. The soldiers, who were expected to report to the 403 Amphibious Brigade in Baga, a unit under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) focused on combating Boko Haram insurgents, missed the deadline of October 31, 2024.....Read Full Article>>
Their prolonged absence has led the Nigerian Army to initiate strict measures against them. The Nigerian Army, through a military signal dated November 1, ordered the freezing of the deserters’ bank accounts to prevent further financial transactions.
The signal, signed by Major HO Akoh on behalf of the 403 Amphibious Brigade Commander, advised all military personnel with information regarding the missing soldiers to report to the Nigerian Army Intelligence Corps (NAIC) or the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police (NACMP). Any found soldiers are to be taken under military escort to face disciplinary measures.
The missing soldiers, drawn from various army units and formations across Nigeria, were initially directed to report to the 403 Amphibious Brigade as part of ongoing anti- insurgency operations in Borno State, where the MNJTF has a presence.
The MNJTF is a multinational alliance comprising forces from Nigeria, Benin, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. The primary mandate of this joint task force is to end the Boko Haram insurgency that has plagued the region for over a decade.
Despite repeated reminders from military authorities to report on time, these soldiers have not returned, leading the army to label them as ” Absent Without Leave” (AWOL) effective November 1, 2024. The declaration followed multiple requests from army officials to ensure the soldiers’ timely arrival at their posts. The army’ s action highlights a growing concern about soldier absences and resignations.
In recent months, about 196 soldiers, particularly from regions in northeastern Nigeria, have applied to the Chief of Army Staff for voluntary retirement. Many of these soldiers have shown interest in joining foreign military forces, including the British Army and the Ukrainian military, which has been actively recruiting international volunteers.
The Nigerian Army has been grappling with challenges related to alleged corruption, low morale among soldiers, and long- term deployment in combat zones, especially in the northeast, where troops confront Boko Haram insurgents.
Some soldiers have reported overstaying in dangerous areas, experiencing low morale, and feeling abandoned by military authorities. They claim that these factors have contributed to their decisions to leave, as well as to desertion incidents.
However, the Nigerian Army has refuted these allegations, emphasizing that all personnel have the right to seek voluntary retirement, in line with official procedures. Major- General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, recently affirmed that the army’ s discharge and retirement protocols strictly adhere to the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service.
Watch video here
He clarified that personnel could voluntarily leave the army following laid- down procedures and that discharges are handled in an organized manner, enabling soldiers to prepare for their post- military life, including accessing pensions and gratuities.
According to Nwachukwu, discharge from the Nigerian Army is a routine process governed by a transparent system. He noted that reasons for personnel leaving the army could range from medical grounds and voluntary retirement to a desire to pursue other careers. Nwachukwu assured that the army remains committed to upholding due process in personnel matters.
Be the first to comment