As insurgency war intensifies, the Nigerian Army is reported to have recalled a chunk of its personnel studying in universities and polytechnics across the country,
This was contained a in a memo by the Nigerian Army Headquarters, Department of Army Training, Abuja.
In the memo dated May 11, the Nigerian Army also suspended the sponsorship of personnel in civil institutions with the exemption of students in the final year.
It is however unclear whether the recalled personnel will be deployed for administrative purposes or combat operations in the war front.
The memo, according to PUNCH was signed by Brigadier General I. A. Ajose on behalf of the chief of army staff, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, and entitled, ‘Exemption of Ex Boys (NMS) from personnel affected by directive on suspension of NA sponsorship to civil institutions.’
“References A-C conveyed directives for the recall of all NA personnel studying in civil institutions as well as the suspension of NA sponsorships, with the exemption of final year students.
“Consequently, I am directed to respectfully inform you that the directive does not include Ex Boys (NMS). Grateful (sic) treat and acknowledge,” the memo stated.
Due to rising insurgency in the country, the Nigerian Army has in recent times suffered heavy casualties by Boko Haram terrorists who seem to have better firepower
Military officers noted that insufficient and obsolete weapons were also responsible for the heavy casualties the country had suffered in the anti-insurgency war in recent times, noting that there were times the Shagari-era weapons failed during operations.
Controversy had ensued on March 12 after the national security adviser, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd), alleged that $1 billion funds meant to purchase arms to tackle insurgency during the ex-service chiefs’ tenure got missing.
The development was over a month after the President accepted the resignations of ex-service chiefs and replaced them with new ones.
