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A total of 196 Nigerian soldiers have reportedly tendered their resignation letters to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, seeking to leave the military voluntarily. This comes amidst growing concerns over security issues and internal challenges faced by the military across different parts of Nigeria.
The soldiers, most of whom are serving in conflict areas like the North-East, cited reasons such as corruption within the system, low morale, and dissatisfaction with the overall state of military operations. The soldiers are said to come from various military formations across the country, and most of them are of the junior cadre.
One notable aspect of this mass resignation is the indication by some soldiers that they are interested in joining foreign military forces. Sources say they are exploring opportunities in the British Army, Ukrainian Army, and other military forces within Commonwealth nations.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, has reportedly approved the formal disengagement of these soldiers. This situation underscores the growing frustration within the Nigerian Armed Forces as they continue to grapple with insecurity in regions like the North-East, where Boko Haram and other insurgent groups are active.
The resignation of such a large number of soldiers raises serious concerns about the capacity of the Nigerian Army to maintain security and stability in the country, particularly in regions facing high levels of violence and insurgency.
This situation reflects the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s security forces, who have been stretched thin by conflicts, internal problems, and limited resources. With so many soldiers leaving, the Nigerian Army may face additional challenges in sustaining its operations in the coming months.