Manpower Shortages Hit Nigeria Military As Army Begins Enlisting Ex-soldiers

The Nigerian Army is reportedly facing a significant manpower shortage due to a high number of voluntary retirements, with the Mechanical Engineering Corps particularly affected.

Recent data shows over 1,008 soldiers have resigned in the past four years, including 196 in August 2024 alone.

In a memo dated October 16, 2024, the Mechanical Engineering Corps expressed concern over the exodus, instructing commanding officers to contact discharged soldiers interested in returning.

Lt Col A. Muhammed, who signed the memo sighted by The PUNCH, emphasized the importance of experienced technical manpower for effective equipment support.

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.”

Retired Brig Gen Bashir Adewinbi supported the initiative, stating that retired officers returning to service is common in many nations, though he highlighted the importance of recruiting individuals genuinely committed to military service.

He noted that while the military offers numerous benefits, commitment is essential to retaining personnel.

He told The PUNCH, “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.”

Brig Gen Peter Aro (retd) pointed out that many soldiers leave early to secure a better future, citing concerns over inadequate post-service support and systemic injustices.

He mentioned that soldiers face uncertain futures after retirement, with few resources or support structures available.

Aro expressed frustration that highly qualified personnel are often forced into early retirement, stressing the need for systemic change to prioritize soldiers’ welfare and dignity.

He said, “Retirement in the army comes in many forms — whether it’s reaching the mandatory service age, being deemed medically unfit, or voluntary retirement. But for those choosing to retire voluntarily, it’s often not just about leaving on their terms; it’s about survival, about securing a better future before they end up like so many forgotten veterans before them.

“These men and women dedicated their youth, their strength, and in some cases, their lives to safeguard this nation. And what do they have to show for it? Only a privileged few, those who were fortunate enough to interact with civilians learned the ropes of life beyond the barracks.

“They gained the wisdom and exposure needed to find alternative ways to make a living, but most weren’t so lucky.”

He also alluded to the injustice in the system as being responsible for why soldiers were resigning.

Aro said, “We’ve seen this injustice play out time and again in our country. Remember when a former Chief of Army Staff, without strictly following the Terms and Conditions of Service, forced officers into retirement long before they were due?

“These men and women were left adrift, unprepared for life after service, and today, many of them are struggling to survive. It’s clear from the indifference of our political leaders that the welfare of military personnel is not a priority.

“This is especially true for soldiers — those whose daily lives are bound by the discipline and sacrifices of service, leaving little room for the kinds of civilian interactions that might prepare them for life after the Army.

“While police and paramilitary officers often have the chance to mingle, invest, and build civilian connections, our soldiers —the ones who stand on the front lines defending the sovereignty of our nation — return from years of service without the same opportunities.

“Many veterans who risked their lives for this country don’t even have basic life insurance. The poor conditions of service in the Nigerian Army, coupled with the unchecked power of leadership to “hire and fire” at will, have driven many to seek early retirement simply to protect their futures.”

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