The Nigerian Army has halted all statutory and voluntary retirements for specific categories of officers as part of nationwide security measures ordered by President Bola Tinubu.
The directive follows a surge in mass abductions across the country, with more than 600 people kidnapped in November alone, including over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara, and 25 students in Kebbi.
President Tinubu, in response, declared a nationwide security emergency on November 26 and instructed the military, police, and intelligence agencies to expand recruitment and deploy thousands of personnel to troubled areas.
In an internal memo dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, the Army announced that retirements had been suspended to preserve manpower and operational experience.
The memo referenced the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, noting that although officers are normally expected to retire upon reaching age limits, serving 35 years, or failing promotion or conversion boards, Paragraph 3.10(e) permits service extension “in the interest of the Armed Forces.”
According to the directive, the temporary suspension applies to officers who fall into any of the following categories:
– Those who failed promotion examinations three times
– Officers passed over three times at promotion boards
– Officers who have reached their rank-based age ceiling
– Those who failed conversion boards three times
– Officers who have completed 35 years in service
Affected personnel may apply to remain in service, but will no longer be eligible for promotion, courses, secondments, or other career progression opportunities. Officers who do not wish to remain are permitted to proceed with normal retirement procedures.
Commanders have been directed to disseminate the policy and manage troop morale. The Army stated that the suspension will be reviewed once the security environment improves.
The decision has received strong support from military veterans and retired senior officers.
Secretary-General of the Military Veterans Federation of Nigeria, Dr. Awwal Abdullahi, described the move as “long overdue,” arguing that experienced officers are often forced into premature retirement due to structural practices linked to appointments.
A retired Brigadier General, Peter Aro, called the measure a “reasonable short-term emergency response,” saying it would stabilize command structures and preserve operational experience. He, however, urged the military to accompany the extension with enhanced welfare and financial incentives.
Another retired officer, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.), described the suspension as a practical and necessary step under current security conditions, while urging officers to regard extended service as a privilege.
Retired Brigadier General George Emdin also supported the measure but cautioned against retaining officers who repeatedly fail promotion examinations. He called for reforms to end the long-standing practice of retiring officers once their coursemates become service chiefs.
