356 Nigerian soldiers writes Buratai, resigns over loss of morale

Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai 

About 356 Nigerian soldiers in the North-East and other theatres of operation have written the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, for voluntary retirement over loss of interest as their reason for the retirement.

The soldiers wrote to the army chief on July 3, 2020, under Reference NA /COAS / 00, quoting the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service soldiers /rating /airmen (Revised) 2017.

The approval of the voluntary disengagement of the 356 soldiers was contained in a 17 - page circular from Buratai, AHQ DOAA / G 1 / 300/92, signed by Brig Gen T. E. Gagariga for the army chief on Saturday.

Also, the document was copied to Headquarters, Theatre Command, Operation Lafiya Dole , Borno State, the Headquarters of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 8, and 82 Divisions of the Nigerian Army and other formations.

It was noted that majority of the soldiers applying for voluntary disengagement and citing loss of interest are from the North - East theatre of operation – a development which military sources attributed to loss of morale, poor weapons, unimproved allowances and the continuous loss of soldiers to Boko Haram attacks.

Since the beginning of 2020, Boko Haram onslaughts on military locations in the North- East have also intensified with large casualties on the part of troops of the Nigerian Army.

The 356 soldiers who applied for voluntary retirement citing loss of interest are Master Warrant Officers, Warrant Officers, Staff Sergeants, Sergeants, Lance Corporals, Corporals and Privates.
The total number on the list of voluntary disengagement is 380; while 356 cited loss of interest, 24 cited “to take a traditional title.”

Writing on behalf of the army chief, Buratai, in the document, Gagariga said, “In compliance with the provisions of Reference A, the COAS vide Reference B has approved the voluntary and medical discharge of the above named MWO, and 385 others listed as Annexes A and B.







“The soldiers are to proceed on terminal leave December 3, 2020, while their disengagement date takes effect from January 3, 202, in accordance with the Nigerian Army Administrative Policy and Procedures No 27 Paragraphs 3 and 4. Accordingly, I am directed to request formations and units to release all affected soldiers to report at the Headquarters, Garrison, with their unit service documents for documentation.

“All forms of military - controlled items, arms, ammunition, and items of combat kits are recovered from the soldiers prior to their disengagement date and certify that they are properly de - kitted. Please acknowledge.”