In an exclusive report, SaharaReporters has obtained a signal from the Nigerian Navy declaring six personnel, including a one-star general, wanted for desertion. The signal, dated September 6, 2024, names Commodore KC Ozokoye, a senior officer at the Nigerian Naval Dockyard (NAVDOC) headquarters, and five other personnel – AS Ore, CC Ukpabio, TA Oladunjoye, AK Muhammad, and TM Nweke.
The Navy has directed the stoppage of their salaries, effective immediately. Sources suggest that most of the personnel were serving on foreign missions at the time of their disappearance.
This development comes amid reports of 196 soldiers applying for voluntary retirement, with some seeking to join foreign military forces. The Nigerian Army has denied allegations of corruption and low morale among soldiers, stating that discharge procedures are strictly followed.
The Nigerian Navy’s declaration of wanted personnel raises concerns about the state of the military and the impact of desertion on national security.