A female soldier identified as Lance Corporal Philomena Nnamoko has revealed that she is psychologically imbalanced and has submitted multiple pleas to the Nigerian Army requesting her discharge from service.
Philomena is currently stationed at Ilese Barracks, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
In an interview with newsmen (not Tribune), she disclosed that she had written several letters to the relevant authorities seeking voluntary discharge, but her pleas have gone unanswered.
She stated, “I am gradually losing my mind. I am psychologically imbalanced, and people are saying they want to book me for AWOL.”
She explained that she couldn’t bear the torture of being absent without official permission again and expressed her strong desire to leave the military, “The pain is too much,” she explained.
“The last letter I wrote was on December 11, 2022, and the last batch of those discharged was on July 28, 2023, but my name was not included. Even those who had submitted their requests in January and February were discharged.”
She mentioned that she has written over ten letters to the Army, but her requests have not been considered.
The soldier’s counsel, Kayode Oshiyemi, expressed concerns about Corporal Philomena’s safety within the system and confirmed her fragile state of health, stating that she is undergoing emotional trauma.Â
He revealed, “She has written three letters since the first publication by The PUNCH on this matter. But the reason she is not being discharged remains a mystery to us. They should allow her to leave the service.”
Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, when asked about the case, emphasised that the Nigerian Army is not a conscription-based organisation.Â
He stated, “There are terms and conditions of service governing the enlistment, commissioning, period of service, discharge, or retirement of Nigerian Army personnel. Once the personnel meet these provisions for discharge or retirement, it will be approved.”
However, Major Olaniyi Osoba, spokesperson for the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, requested to meet with Philomena to hear from her directly.
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