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Evidence points to a troubling trend in the Nigerian Army, where an acute shortage of manpower seems to be unfolding due to the significant number of personnel who have opted for voluntary retirement.
Information suggests that the Mechanical Engineering Corps is one of the units significantly impacted by the recent developments, struggling to adapt to the ongoing changes.
It has been reported that more than 1,008 soldiers have stepped down from the Nigerian Army in the past four years, pointing to a substantial loss of personnel during this period.
In 2023, the Nigerian Army reportedly approved the retirement of no less than 59 soldiers, a decision that underscores the evolving dynamics within the military.
The statistics show that in 2022, 261 soldiers resigned, followed by 127 in 2021 and 365 in 2020, highlighting a growing issue of personnel loss within the ranks. In August this year, 196 soldiers resigned from the Army.
In response to the report, Army spokesperson Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu clarified that the service operates primarily through conscription, emphasizing the ongoing need for recruits in light of recent personnel changes.
To combat the current staffing challenges, it has been suggested that the Army plans to bring back discharged soldiers, aiming to utilize their familiarity with military operations to quickly fill the gaps.
In a memo dated October 16, 2024, a copy of which was obtained by our correspondent, the mechanical corps lamented that huge numbers of soldiers resigned from the unit.
The memo signed by Lt Col A. Muhammed urged all commanding officers to reach out to discharged soldiers in the area of responsibilities.
It partly read: “The deployment of technical manpower is essential for effective and efficient equipment support in the field which is based on trades/expertise of technicians. NAEME is currently experiencing an acute shortage of manpower.
“The dearth of manpower in the Corps is further compounded by the large number of voluntarily discharged soldiers in recent years. Consequently, I am directed to request Comds/COs to reach out to discharged skilled soldiers in their AOR who are willing to be re-engaged to the NA on a contract basis.
“I am to add that names of discharged personnel willing to be re-engaged should be forwarded to this Headquarters NLT 19 Oct 24 using the attached proforma. Grateful to treat and acknowledge.”
Nwachukwu did not pick up calls put through to him and had yet to respond to the message sent to him on the issue.
Speaking on the development, Brig Gen Bashir Adewinbi (retd) said the plan to re-engage retired soldiers was a good idea.
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He said, “It is not unusual for retired Army officers to come back and participate in the security architecture of a nation. This practice is common in other advanced countries.
“If there is a plan to implement this here, I believe it is a good idea.”
Asked what could be done to discourage soldiers from resigning from the service, Adewinbi said the military must ensure those enlisted were genuinely interested in the service.
He said, “As of today, the military is well-organised and well-structured. The welfare system is adequate, and the training we received was never a source of complaint. If, as you said, they are leaving in their numbers, it suggests that something might be wrong with recruitment.
“The focus should be on recruiting people who are genuinely interested in serving, rather than those simply looking for employment because they have no other options.
“Those truly dedicated to the military will remain regardless of the challenges or conditions. They won’t abandon their duty. Unfortunately, some people in this country are merely searching for jobs.”
Adewinbi noted that joining the military was about service to the nation.
He said, “But joining the military isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about serving the nation. In our time, we never prioritised welfare. Even when we were young officers, our civilian counterparts were often better off, but we didn’t care. The uniform came with an unquantifiable level of respect, and that respect was more valuable than money.
“Being in the military is a career of integrity, one that commands respect in society. That’s what we valued in those days — not the material benefits, but the honour that came with the service. Honestly, the military remains one of the best organisations to start a career.
“You’re provided accommodation immediately, your salary is never delayed, and the challenges are there for those who seek them. There are many benefits, including opportunities for further education, both civil and military. You can pursue a master’s degree or a BSc while serving. The military provides these opportunities.
“So, I’m surprised that people are leaving the military. Where are they going? What will they do? I can’t understand it.”
