The Nigerian Army has instructed 243 soldiers resigning either voluntarily or on health grounds to hand in their kits, arms and ammunition.
It was learnt that the army authorities approved the disengagement of the personnel comprising a warrant officer and 242 others.
In a memo dated August 15, 2022, the concerned army personnel are to go for documentation on October 15, 2022.
The soldiers are expected to proceed on terminal leave from January 15, 2023 while they will be finally disengaged from the army from February 15, 2023.
The memo entitled, “first and second quarters 2022 91NA/32/4792 WO Ndagana Ishiaku – CLK SD A1 and 242 others’ says in part: “In compliance with the provisions of Reference A, the COAS vide Reference B has approved the voluntary discharge of the above named WO and 242 others at Annex A.
“The soldiers are to proceed on terminal leave with effect from January 15, 23 while their disengagement date takes effect from Feb 15, 23 in accordance with the NA Administrative Policy and Procedures No 27 Paragraphs 3 and 4.
“Accordingly, I am directed to please request you relay to their units to release the affected soldiers to report HQCAR with their unit service documents for documentation NLT 15 Oct 22 with a current photograph, and ensure that:
“All forms of military controlled items, arms, ammunition and Items of combat kits are recovered from them prior to their disengagement date and certify that they are properly de-kitted.”
Confirming the development, spokesman for the army, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu said the disengagement had been approved by the chief of army staff.
He said the soldiers were being discharged on health grounds.
“The soldiers applied for it and the COAS approved it. We call it discharge, some soldiers applied for it due to medical issues and that they were no longer fit to continue with the job. If someone said he’s not fit to continue with the job will you force him to continue? Others are voluntarily. The Army is not a conscripting service. Outrageous meanings should not be attached to it,” he added.
