The Nigerian Army has put a temporary hold on all statutory and voluntary retirements for specific categories of officers as the nation grapples with a growing security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
Nigeria recorded more than 600 mass abductions in November alone, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State. In response, the President announced a nationwide security emergency on November 26, directing security agencies to increase recruitment and deploy thousands of additional personnel.
An internal memo dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro stated that the suspension of retirements is necessary to retain manpower, experience, and operational capacity as the Armed Forces expand to confront escalating insecurity.
The memo, citing the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers 2024, noted that although officers typically retire after reaching age limits, completing 35 years in service, or failing repeated promotion or conversion assessments, Chapter 3.10(e) allows extensions when required for military interests.
It explained that the nationwide security emergency has made it essential to halt all retirements immediately. The temporary suspension applies to officers who have failed promotion exams or conversion boards three times, those passed over three times at promotion boards, those who have reached age ceilings for their ranks, and those who have completed 35 years of service. Officers affected may apply to continue serving, though extensions will come without further promotions, career courses, sponsorships, or special appointments.
Commanders have been instructed to inform personnel and maintain morale, with the policy set for review as security conditions improve.
Veterans and retired senior officers have expressed strong support for the measure. Dr. Awwal Abdullahi, Secretary-General of the Military Veterans Federation of Nigeria, welcomed the suspension, arguing that highly trained officers should not be prematurely retired, especially when their juniors are appointed to higher positions. He described the move as both cost-effective and strategic.
Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro called the move a sensible short-term response, emphasizing that experienced officers are critical to stabilizing command structures during active operations. He stressed the need for enhanced welfare and financial incentives since extended officers will no longer qualify for promotions or career progression.
Aro urged the military to also focus on aggressive recruitment, better training, improved welfare, and reforms to close manpower gaps. He highlighted the long-standing divide between regular officers and short-service entrants as an issue that must be addressed.
Retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi also endorsed the suspension, describing extended service as a privilege and an opportunity to contribute further to national security. He dismissed concerns about officers serving under their juniors, saying the existing structure would prevent confusion.
Brigadier General George Emdin supported the decision but criticized the tradition of retiring officers simply because their coursemates become service chiefs. He argued that the practice causes the military to lose valuable expertise. However, he did not support retaining officers who repeatedly fail promotion examinations and emphasized the need for top-tier welfare given the risks involved in military service.
