President Bola Tinubu has received support in his efforts to combat banditry despite a concerning trend of resignations within the Nigerian Army. Over the past four years, more than 1,000 soldiers have resigned, raising alarms about the country’s security situation.
Reports indicate that between 2020 and 2024, the Nigerian Army approved the voluntary discharge of 1,008 soldiers. This year alone, 196 soldiers resigned in August, reflecting a significant turnover. These soldiers had not yet reached retirement age or completed their mandatory service.
Brigadier O.H. Musa issued the most recent disengagement letter on August 23, directing the 196 soldiers to begin terminal leave by November 1, with full disengagement effective by the end of November. Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, emphasized that service in the Army is voluntary, with retirements and discharges processed according to established criteria, including medical grounds or personal reasons.
In a related development, the Concerned Scholars for Peace and Development (CSPD) have expressed strong support for President Tinubu’s anti-banditry efforts. The group, led by Dr. Zaharadeen Mohammed Kabir, condemned a video by Sokoto-based Islamic cleric Mallam Bello Asada, who accused the Federal Government of supporting bandit leaders.
Kabir criticized Asada for politicizing the security challenges and for his alleged connection to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He also highlighted Asada’s silence on Governor Dauda Lawal’s purported payment of ₦1.378 billion to bandits. Kabir urged Tinubu to remain focused and not be distracted by false claims during this critical period in the fight against banditry.