Mutiny, Desertion and State Response in the Nigeria Armed Forces and its Implications

Abstract

There is a growing number of mutinies and desertions within the rank and file in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). While these acts have attendant implications on the military architecture and spiraling incidents of insecurity in the country, there is still a paucity of scholarship in this regard. This article examines the triggers of mutiny and desertion within the AFN, state response and implications on the AFN and national security. Using documentaries, media reports and self-made videos by some of the actors, the article finds that mutiny and desertions are ways of protests and that they are caused majorly by low morale, poor welfare, job dissatisfactions, and corruption and in spite of the state responses through disciplinary approach, the acts of mutinies and desertions have continued thereby having profound implication on the morale of the AFN, civil-military relations as well as the general insecurity across the country. The article concludes that desertions and mutiny have and will continue as a result of the response by the state which focusses on discipline and non-disclosure at the expense of the overall welfare, needs and satisfaction of the members of the AFN. The article recommends among other things the need to address the causes of mutiny and desertion.