A 39-year-old female soldier, Lance Corporal Philomena Nnamoko, has claimed that she is experiencing mental distress and deteriorating mental health due to the Nigerian Army’s refusal to discharge her from service. It was reported that Nnamoko is currently stationed at Ilese Barracks, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.
Nnamoko stated that she has written multiple letters to authorities requesting voluntary discharge, but no action has been taken on her case. She expressed her anguish, saying, “I am gradually losing my mind, I am psychologically imbalanced, and people are saying they want to book me for AWOL. I cannot go through that torture again. I want to leave the service. The pain is too much. I want to be discharged from this job.”
She mentioned that she last submitted a letter on December 11, 2022, and despite subsequent discharges, her name was not included. Even individuals who submitted their requests in January and February were discharged, leaving her puzzled about the lack of progress in her case.
Nnamoko’s legal representative, Kayode Oshiyemi, expressed concern about her well-being within the system, emphasizing her emotional trauma. He urged the Army to release her, stating, “Let them let her go, she wants to leave the service. She comes to my office crying every day. Please, let the Army discharge her freely, she wants out.”
In response, the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, clarified that the Nigerian Army operates based on established terms and conditions of service, including enlistment, period of service, and discharge or retirement procedures. He stated that if Nnamoko meets the criteria for discharge, it will be approved.
When contacted, Major Olaniyi Osoba, spokesperson for the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, requested the female soldier to contact him directly to discuss her situation. This development follows a story published by The PUNCH on December 7, 2022, detailing Nnamoko’s plight.