Mass Exodus of Nigerian Soldiers to British, Ukrainian, Commonwealth Armies Over Poor Welfare – Sources

In a growing crisis within the Nigerian Army, dozens of soldiers have reportedly resigned to join the military forces of other nations, including the British Army, Ukrainian Army, and various Commonwealth forces. According to sources, this wave of resignations stems from dissatisfaction with poor welfare conditions, inadequate equipment, and a lack of motivation to serve in the Nigerian military.

Exclusive reports indicate that many of these departing soldiers are from the medical corps, with a larger number of personnel from the infantry and armored corps expected to follow soon. The mass exodus is seen as a reflection of the deep-seated frustration felt by many soldiers over the Nigerian government’s failure to provide adequate support, modern weaponry, and fair compensation as they contend with the nation’s security challenges.

A military source confirmed the situation, stating, “A set of 27 personnel are leaving, all from the medical corps. We’re expecting more resignations from other units, including infantry and armored divisions. Soldiers are looking to join the British Army, the Ukrainian forces, and even Commonwealth militaries. The work here is no longer sustainable.”

There is also growing anticipation within the ranks for a planned protest over the worsening conditions, with many soldiers reportedly hoping that the movement gains momentum.

A document published by Sahara Reporters from the Department of Personnel Management at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment corroborates these claims, showing that the Nigerian Army has approved the voluntary discharge of 27 soldiers. Dated August 24, 2024, the document outlines the formal discharge process, instructing that soldiers complete their terminal leave by November 1, with their final disengagement set for November 30.

The document further specifies that soldiers are to return all military-controlled items, including arms, ammunition, and combat gear, before their departure, and submit photographs for their official discharge records.

Despite efforts to obtain a response from army spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, no comments were received as he failed to respond to calls or messages.

The Nigerian military has been plagued by reports of non-payment of salaries and bonuses. In a recent instance, Sahara Reporters revealed that the Nigerian government, under President Bola Tinubu, had failed to pay army personnel their August salaries and allowances. An internal memo obtained by the newspaper urged soldiers to remain patient as efforts were being made to resolve the delay.

The memo, dated September 2024, reads: “TEXT: LATE PMT OF SAL AND NON REG ALLCE AUG 24. DIR YOU INFO TPS THAT SAL AND NON REG ALLCE FOR AUG 24 IS YET TO BE PAID BY FGN. EFFORTS ARE ONGOING TO ENSURE PMT IS EFFECTED ASAP. TPS ARE REQ TO REMAIN PATIENT. PSE TREAT AS URGENT AND ACT.”

This delay in payments is not new. In October 2022, soldiers expressed frustration over similar issues, highlighting the absence of salary increments despite over a decade of service. This ongoing crisis has contributed to the growing discontent within the ranks, prompting more soldiers to seek better opportunities abroad.