Nigerian Soldier Raises Alarm Over 8-Year Delay in Voluntary Discharge, Cites Depression and Family Crisis

 A Nigerian soldier has cried out to the public, alleging an eight-year delay in the processing of his voluntary discharge from the military. In a video set to accompany this report, the soldier explained that he applied for voluntary disengagement in 2017, but the military has repeatedly postponed the process without providing clear reasons.

According to him, every attempt to follow up on his application is met with the same response:
“Go back to your unit.”
However, he revealed that since 2017, he has not been officially posted to any unit. Instead, he claims he has been shuttled from one operation to another, operating without proper documentation or a stable base.

“I Applied Because I Was Battling Depression” — Soldier

The soldier said his decision to leave was not sudden. He applied for discharge because he was already dealing with severe depression, made worse by serious family problems that required his attention. He explained that he hoped the system would allow him to step back and rebuild his life, but instead, the uncertainty has pushed him deeper into distress.

“I applied for voluntary discharge because of depression and family issues. I needed time to sort myself out. But since 2017, they keep telling me to return to my unit—yet I have no unit.”

He described the situation as mentally exhausting and emotionally draining, saying he has been “left hanging” for years, unable to fully serve and yet unable to officially leave.

Calls for Investigation and Reform

His complaint highlights lingering concerns about bureaucratic delays in the military’s discharge processes. Rights advocates have repeatedly warned that unresolved discharge applications can worsen mental health challenges among service members, especially those dealing with trauma, family strain, or burnout.

The soldier is now appealing to the public, senior military authorities, and human rights organizations to investigate the matter and ensure his discharge is processed according to due procedure.

Video Evidence Attached

A video shared by the soldier, attached to this post, captures him narrating his ordeal and pleading for intervention. He hopes that going public will bring the attention necessary to resolve an issue that has held his life in limbo for nearly a decade.