The Nigerian Army has suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements for specific categories of officers as part of the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
The decision follows a surge in mass abductions across the country, with over 600 kidnapping cases recorded in November alone. Incidents include the abduction of more than 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State, among several others.
In response to the worsening insecurity, President Tinubu on November 26 declared a national security emergency and directed the military, police, and intelligence agencies to expand recruitment and deploy thousands of additional personnel.
Army Memo Suspends Retirement to Retain Manpower
An internal memo dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff announced the temporary suspension of retirements.
The document—referencing the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024—explained that although officers are ordinarily required to retire upon reaching age limits, serving 35 years, or failing promotion or conversion boards, Paragraph 3.10(e) allows extensions “in the interest of the service.”
The memo read in part:
“The President and Commander-in-Chief declared a nationwide security emergency on November 26, mandating the expansion of the AFN 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 suspension applies to officers who fall into the following categories:
- Officers who failed promotion exams three times
- Officers passed over three times at promotion boards
- Officers who have reached the age ceiling for their rank
- Officers who failed conversion boards three times
- Officers who have completed 35 years of service
Affected officers may apply to continue serving beyond their expected retirement dates. However, the Army clarified that those granted extensions will not be eligible for promotions, career courses, Army sponsorships, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments.
Commanders were directed to disseminate the policy, manage troop morale, and note that the directive will be reviewed as the security situation improves.
Veterans, Ex-Generals Back Suspension
“Best decision,” says Military Veterans Federation
Dr. Awwal Abdullahi, Secretary-General of the Military Veterans Federation of Nigeria, described the policy as timely and necessary.
He argued that prematurely retiring highly trained officers wastes national resources and deprives the military of vital experience.
“Most of these officers have more experience than the junior ones. It is a waste of resources to retire them just because a junior was appointed service chief,” he said.
A ‘reasonable emergency response’ — Retired Gen. Peter Aro
Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro called the suspension a “reasonable short-term emergency response,” saying that retaining seasoned officers would help stabilize command structures during ongoing operations.
He, however, emphasised the need for enhanced welfare and financial incentives, since officers granted extensions would no longer qualify for promotions or career progression.
“Without special incentives, many may decline the offer,” he warned.
Aro also urged aggressive recruitment, improved welfare, accelerated training, and reforms to eliminate divisions between regular officers and short-service entrants.
Retired Gen. Adewinbi: A practical step
Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) described the policy as a practical decision in a time of national crisis. He dismissed concerns about officers serving under junior commanders, saying established military structures would prevent confusion.
“Remaining in service beyond normal retirement should be seen as a privilege,” he said.
Retired Gen. Emdin: Keep expertise, but not failed officers
Retired Brigadier General George Emdin also supported the move, but cautioned against retaining officers who repeatedly fail promotion exams.
He criticised the longstanding practice of retiring officers simply because their coursemates become service chiefs, arguing that it drains the military of valuable expertise.
