A group of retired soldiers has condemned the lifetime benefits reportedly approved for sacked service chiefs and other senior military officers, describing them as “lavish and unfair” amid widespread neglect of junior personnel.
The ex-servicemen accused authorities of prioritising senior officers’ welfare while leaving thousands of discharged and retired junior soldiers without their entitlements.
Sgt. Zaki Williams, who leads a group of over 700 affected soldiers, said many had been abandoned despite dedicating their lives to defending the country.
“The people at the top always do things to favour themselves. They don’t care about the poor or the junior ones who sacrificed everything,” Williams said.
He recalled that several government promises to improve their welfare had gone unfulfilled, leaving many demoralised.
“Since the day they made those promises, nothing has happened. We’ve waited, but it’s still zero,” he added.
Williams said life after service had been extremely difficult for many, with some unable to afford housing or basic needs.
“How can someone retire after years of service and still not get their entitlement? The senior officers have houses and cars, but the rest of us have nothing,” he lamented.
Another retired soldier, Abdul Isiak, criticised the government’s failure to pay outstanding benefits, calling it “very unfair.”
“We have suffered a lot. They’re yet to give us our entitlements after leaving the service. Is it because we are junior officers?” he asked, hinting at plans for another protest.
Fresh Wave of Retirements Looms in Armed Forces
Meanwhile, a new round of compulsory retirements may soon sweep through the Armed Forces following the appointment of new service chiefs.
Military sources told Sunday PUNCH that more than 50 senior officers, including generals, brigadiers-general, air vice marshals, and admirals, could be affected in line with long-standing military tradition.
“When a junior is appointed as a service chief, those senior to him must proceed on retirement,” a senior officer explained.
Another source said the shake-up could affect close to 100 officers, as only generals from Course 41 of the Nigerian Defence Academy are expected to remain in service.
The mass retirement is expected to open up new vacancies, paving the way for promotions and restructuring within the military hierarchy.
Credit: Punch
