By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu the Nigeria Chief of Army Staff |
ABUJA — A major welfare crisis is brewing within the Nigerian Army as hundreds of voluntarily discharged soldiers from the Batch B, 2025 cohort have filed a formal petition against the military high command. The ex-personnel are alleging a systemic withholding of their terminal benefits, "discriminatory" salary payments, and the illegal seizure of their discharge certificates.
The petition, addressed to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and dated early February 2026, details a series of administrative failures that have left hundreds of veterans in financial limbo since their official disengagement on November 30, 2025.
Allegations of 'Rank-Based' Discrimination
The most explosive claim in the petition involves an alleged disparity in how final payments were handled. According to the veterans, Warrant Officers and above who retired on the same day received their December 2025 salaries and "scarce skill" allowances. However, those ranked Staff Sergeant and below were reportedly excluded from these payments.
"This disparity raises serious concerns under Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution, which prohibits discriminatory treatment," the petition states. "Military principles of uniformity and equity must apply where personnel share the same discharge date and legal status."
Missing 'MAFA' Upfront Payments and Allowances
The veterans are also demanding the immediate release of the Statutory Three-Month Upfront Payment guaranteed under the Mobilisation, Administration and Finance Arrangement (MAFA). Despite being a standard policy for disengaged personnel, the Batch B group claims they have received neither the upfront cash nor their **Terminal Leave Allowance.
The group argues that these funds are "earned entitlements, not privileges," and that the ongoing delay has caused "undue financial hardship" for families transitioning back to civilian life.
60 Days Without Discharge Certificates
Beyond the financial disputes, the ex-soldiers are accusing the Army of "procedural irregularities" regarding their documentation. Over 60 days after their service ended, many claim they have yet to receive their Discharge Certificates or be invited for final documentation.
This administrative bottleneck has severe real-world consequences, as veterans cannot access their Military Pensions, apply for new jobs, or complete civil documentation without proof of their honorable discharge.
Constitutional Grounding for the Petition
The petitioners have anchored their demands on several legal pillars: The Armed Forces Act (Cap A20 LFN 2004): Governing the welfare and disengagement of personnel.
Section 36 of the Constitution: Guaranteeing the right to a fair hearing and administrative transparency.
Section 14(2)(b): Affirming that the security and welfare of citizens is the primary purpose of government.
The group has sent "Information Copies" of the petition to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Military Pensions Board (MPB), and the Chief of Personnel Management to ensure the matter receives top-level attention.
Awaiting the Army's Response
The Nigerian Army, which has recently emphasized a "Soldier First" philosophy under its current leadership, has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the Batch B petition.
In previous instances, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has attributed payment delays to "banking system glitches" rather than deliberate withholding by commanders.