In an exclusive revelation by SaharaReporters, a total of 25 soldiers hailing from the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps (NAAC) are set to exit the Nigerian Army, a move that raises questions amidst the prevailing security challenges that the military is grappling with across various regions of the nation.
The departing soldiers, all belonging to junior cadres, have been a significant part of the front- line defense. The Nigerian Army Armoured Corps (NAAC) was established on April 21, 1958, originating from the sole artillery battery within the NACA at the time. As a pivotal component of the Nigerian Army, NAAC provides essential close combat support to infantry operations.IMG_6376Note: we accept and sell only genuine properties. Beware of property fraudsters and buy only from genuine sources.
Its diverse units are equipped with an array of vehicles and armaments tailored for their distinct roles, including Recce Battalions, Tank Battalions, Light Tank Battalions, and the Demonstration Battalion.
While the departure list doesn’ t distinguish between voluntary retirements and those leaving due to medical reasons, it is noteworthy that none of the departing soldiers have reached the retirement age or fulfilled the mandatory years of service. The disengagement, authorized by the Chief of Army Staff, was officially ratified on July 27, 2023, with Colonel Y Datikum’ s signature endorsing their exit.
The official approval directs the departing soldiers to relinquish all military equipment and possessions under their custody. The internal communication, ascribed to Datikum, stipulates the protocol for handling the disengagement process. It requires the recovery of all military- controlled items, arms, ammunition, and combat kits from the soldiers prior to their departure date. This stringent protocol is in place to ensure a seamless transition and proper de- kitting.
Amidst these developments, allegations of corruption within the Nigerian Army have been circulating. Some soldiers attribute the ongoing challenges to corruption within the ranks and the extended deployment of troops in the Northeast.
These allegations align with previous accounts from army personnel engaged in counter- insurgency operations. Complaints of prolonged stays on the front lines beyond their stipulated periods of duty have led to low morale and reluctance to continue the fight against extremist groups. This situation has potentially contributed to recent instances where military camps were overrun by insurgents.
Over the last year, the Nigerian Army has seen over 1, 000 soldiers resign from active duty, citing a range of reasons including loss of interest, intimidation by superiors, corruption, and diminished morale.
Some soldiers even penned an open letter in 2022, accusing former President Muhammadu Buhari of neglecting to address corruption and financial mismanagement within the military.
In response to the economic challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidies, the Nigerian Army has approved an increase in the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) for soldiers. The upward revision from N1, 000 to N1, 200, effective from August 2023, is expected to alleviate the financial burdens faced by military personnel. Additionally, adjustments have been made to the allocation of Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) for vehicles, in light of the recent fuel subsidy removal.
As the Nigerian Army grapples with these changes and the departure of soldiers, it remains to be seen how these developments will impact the ongoing efforts to address security challenges across the nation. The evolving landscape demands a balanced approach that addresses the concerns of military personnel while maintaining the nation’ s security
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