…The Army noted that affected officers may apply to continue serving beyond their normal retirement dates.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | The Nigerian Army has put a hold on all statutory and voluntary retirements for selected categories of officers, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
In November alone, the country witnessed more than 600 mass abduction cases, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State, among others.
Reacting to the surge, the President on November 26 announced a nationwide security emergency and ordered the military, police, and intelligence agencies to ramp up recruitment and deploy thousands of additional personnel.
According to an internal memo dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, the suspension of retirements is aimed at preserving manpower, expertise, and operational strength as the Armed Forces scale up operations in response to growing insecurity.
The document, citing the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers (HTACOS) 2024, explained that while officers are generally expected to retire upon reaching the mandatory age limit, completing 35 years of service, or after repeated promotion or conversion failures, service extensions are allowed under Paragraph 3.10(e) when deemed in the interest of the military.
The memo stated in part: “Military service for a commissioned officer involves uninterrupted service in the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) from the date of enlistment or commissioning until retirement. The duration of service is governed by the provisions of HTACOS Officers 2024, which include age ceilings for various ranks, a maximum of 35 years of service, and other criteria outlined in Paragraphs 11.02(d) and 17.15, along with other existing regulations.
“However, Chapter 3.10(e) of HTACOS Officers 2024 permits the extension of service for officers when it serves the interest of the Armed Forces.”
The President and Commander-in-Chief declared a nationwide security emergency on November 26, ordering the expansion of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and other security agencies. To quickly boost manpower, it has become necessary to temporarily suspend all statutory and voluntary retirements from the Nigerian Army, effective immediately.
The circular stated that the suspension applies to officers in the following categories: those who have failed promotion exams three times; officers passed over three times at promotion boards; officers who have reached the age limit for their rank; officers who failed conversion boards three times; and those who have completed 35 years of service.
The Army noted that affected officers may apply to continue serving beyond their normal retirement dates.
“Officers in these categories who do not wish to extend their service may proceed with the usual retirement process. Officers opting for extension should note that they will not be eligible for career progression, including promotions, career courses, Army sponsorship, self-sponsored courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments,” the memo stated.
Commanders were instructed to communicate the directive to all personnel and maintain morale, with the policy subject to review as the security situation improves.
Dr. Awwal Abdullahi, Secretary-General of the Military Veterans Federation of Nigeria, described the move as a welcome development.
He said, “I fully support this decision. Beyond the security concerns, these officers were trained with taxpayers’ money, yet they are being forced into early retirement due to appointments.
“In cases where service chiefs are appointed and junior officers are retained while seniors are asked to leave, a better approach would be to assign the senior officers to the Defence Headquarters, where they can report directly to the Chief of Defence Staff.
“Many of these experienced officers have far more expertise than their juniors, so retiring them over such appointments wastes valuable resources. Suspending retirements is, therefore, the right decision.”
Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro described the measure as a “sensible short-term emergency response,” emphasizing that retaining experienced personnel would help stabilise command structures during ongoing operations.
He added that while the voluntary nature of the extension is commendable, the Army should improve welfare and provide special financial incentives.
Aro explained, “Given the current insecurity and the shortage of seasoned personnel, keeping experienced officers and soldiers will stabilise command, preserve operational expertise, and prevent leadership gaps. Since officers must voluntarily opt in, that aspect of the policy is positive.
“However, because there will be no further promotions or career progression for them, appropriate welfare and financial incentives are necessary. Officers who have reached their promotion limits, age ceilings, or service tenure should receive enhanced salaries and welfare packages reflecting their seniority and the additional years they are required to serve. Without such incentives, many may decline the opportunity.”
He also called for intensified recruitment, faster training programs, better welfare, and reforms to fill manpower gaps, urging the military to eliminate the “silent divide” between regular officers and short-service entrants.
Another retired officer, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.), supported the suspension, describing it as a practical measure in the current critical security situation.
He emphasized that serving beyond the normal retirement age should be viewed as both a privilege and an opportunity to continue contributing to the nation.
“This is a well-structured system. If any adjustments to the terms and conditions of service are needed, I trust the leadership will implement them,” he said.
Adewinbi dismissed concerns that officers who failed promotion exams might struggle under junior commanders, noting that existing structures would prevent confusion.
Retired Brigadier General George Emdin also welcomed the policy but called for an end to the tradition of retiring officers once their coursemates are appointed as service chiefs, arguing that the practice wastes valuable expertise.
However, he opposed extending service for officers who repeatedly fail promotion examinations.
He added, “The work is hazardous, so their welfare must be a top priority.”
