The Nigerian Army has declared 44 soldiers deployed to combat terrorism in Borno State as deserters.
According to a military communication obtained by SaharaReporters, these personnel face severe consequences if apprehended, and their bank accounts have been frozen.
The Army has instructed anyone with knowledge of the soldiers’ whereabouts to report it so they can be detained under military escort for disciplinary proceedings.
Sources reveal that these soldiers had been assigned from various units to the 403 Amphibious Brigade in Baga, Borno, under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a coalition aimed at countering Boko Haram.
The soldiers were required to report by October 31, 2024, but remained absent as of November 1.
A communication signed by Major HO Akoh on behalf of the 403 Amphibious Brigade Commander noted that they had not reported for duty despite multiple reminders.
This development follows an earlier wave of applications for voluntary retirement from 196 soldiers stationed in the Northeast, with some reportedly seeking to join foreign military forces, including the British Army and the Ukrainian Army.
Many junior-level soldiers have cited corruption, prolonged deployment, and low morale as reasons for their dissatisfaction, claiming these factors undermine their effectiveness against Boko Haram.
In response to reports of systemic corruption, the Nigerian Army has denied the allegations, asserting that it follows strict protocols for voluntary retirement as outlined in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service.
Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army’s spokesperson, reiterated that the process for discharging personnel is well-organized and follows established procedures.
He emphasized that soldiers are allowed to disengage voluntarily or on medical grounds and that this system provides ample time for personnel to process their benefits.
