The Nigerian Army has temporarily suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements for specific categories of officers as part of the Federal Government’s response to the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The decision follows a surge in mass abductions across the country, with over 600 cases recorded in November alone, including the kidnapping of more than 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State and 25 students in Kebbi State.
President Tinubu had, on November 26, declared a national security emergency and directed the Armed Forces, police and intelligence agencies to expand recruitment and deploy thousands of additional personnel to restore stability.
An internal memo dated December 3, signed by Maj-Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, stated that suspending retirements was necessary to retain manpower, operational experience and institutional knowledge as the military scales up operations nationwide.
The document, citing the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, explained that while officers typically retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service or failing promotion or conversion boards, Paragraph 3.10(e) allows for service extension “in the interest of the military.”
The memo read in part, “The President and Commander-in-Chief declared a nationwide security emergency on November 26, mandating an expansion of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies. In line with this, and to rapidly expand manpower, it has become expedient to temporarily suspend all statutory and voluntary retirements from the Nigerian Army with immediate effect.”
The temporary freeze applies to officers who have failed promotion examinations or conversion boards three times, officers passed over at promotion boards, those who have reached the age ceiling for their ranks, and those who have attained 35 years of service.
Affected officers may apply to continue serving beyond their retirement dates. However, those who opt for extension will not be eligible for further promotions, career courses, sponsorships or extra-regimental appointments.
“Officers not interested in extension are to proceed with the normal retirement procedure,” the memo noted, directing commanders to manage morale and ensure full dissemination of the directive. It added that the policy would be reviewed as the security situation improves.
Veterans, Retired Generals Support Suspension
The Secretary-General of the Military Veterans Federation of Nigeria, Dr. Awwal Abdullahi, described the move as timely and necessary.
“I strongly support it,” he said. “Officers are trained with taxpayer money, yet many are retired prematurely due to appointments. Retaining experienced officers, instead of forcing them out because their junior is appointed, is a better use of resources.”
Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro called the policy a “reasonable short-term emergency response,” noting that keeping seasoned officers in service would help stabilise command structures. He stressed the need for enhanced welfare packages since extended officers would no longer enjoy career progression.
“Without special incentives, many may decline the offer,” he warned.
Another retired officer, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi, also endorsed the measure, describing extended service as a privilege and practical step in a time of crisis. He dismissed concerns that officers who failed promotion exams might struggle under junior commanders, insisting that established structures would maintain order.
Retired Brigadier General George Emdin supported the suspension but urged the military to end the tradition of retiring officers once their coursemates became service chiefs, arguing that the practice deprives the nation of valuable expertise. However, he opposed retaining officers who consistently failed promotion examinations.
“The job is risky; their welfare should be top-notch,” he added.
The policy will remain in effect until the security landscape improves, as the Armed Forces intensify efforts to close manpower gaps and strengthen national defence.
*Text, except the headline, courtesy: PRNigeria
