Army Launches Effort To Bring Back Ex-Soldiers Amid Staffing Shortage

Army Launches Effort To Bring Back Ex-Soldiers Amid Staffing Shortage
The Nigerian Army is reportedly grappling with a significant manpower shortage, primarily due to a high number of voluntary retirements. One of the most affected units is the Mechanical Engineering Corps, which has seen a steep decline in personnel.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Over the past four years, more than 1,008 soldiers have resigned from the Army, with 2023 alone witnessing the retirement of at least 59 soldiers. Earlier statistics show that in 2022, 261 soldiers left, followed by 127 in 2021 and 365 in 2020. Notably, 196 soldiers resigned in August of this year.

In response to these developments, Army spokesperson Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu stated that recruitment is conducted by conscription. To address the manpower shortfall, the Army plans to reach out to discharged soldiers for potential re-engagement.

A memo dated October 16, 2024, obtained by our correspondent, highlighted the acute manpower shortage within the Mechanical Engineering Corps. Signed by Lt Col A. Muhammed, the memo urged commanding officers to contact discharged soldiers in their areas to explore re-engagement opportunities.

“The deployment of technical manpower is critical for effective equipment support in the field, based on the trades and expertise of technicians. NAEME is currently experiencing a severe shortage of manpower,” the memo read. It directed commanding officers to compile names of discharged personnel willing to rejoin the Army on a contract basis and submit them by October 19, 2024.

Attempts to reach Nwachukwu for further comment were unsuccessful. Brig Gen Bashir Adewinbi (retd) expressed support for the plan to re-engage retired soldiers, noting that it’s not uncommon for veterans to return to service in various countries.

Adewinbi emphasized the need for the military to ensure that those enlisted genuinely want to serve. “The military is well-organized, and the welfare system is adequate. If soldiers are resigning, it may indicate issues with recruitment,” he stated. He argued that military service should be viewed as a commitment to the nation rather than merely a job.

Brig Gen Peter Aro (retd) added that many soldiers are leaving to secure better futures, often fearing a fate similar to that of many forgotten veterans. He pointed out that retirement can take various forms, including voluntary retirement, and highlighted the struggles faced by those who dedicated their lives to the service.

These developments reflect the pressing need for the Nigerian Army to address both its manpower challenges and the underlying issues prompting soldiers to leave.

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