Security emergency: Army freezes retirement of officers

Nigerian Army Suspends Statutory and Voluntary Retirements Amid National Security Emergency

The Nigerian Army has announced the immediate suspension of all statutory and voluntary retirements for specific categories of officers, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency in response to escalating violence and mass abductions. www.cjsoftflix.com gathered that this directive aims to retain critical manpower and operational experience within the force.

According to security reports, over 600 cases of mass abductions were recorded across the country in November alone. These include the kidnapping of more than 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State, among several other incidents.

Why the Suspension Was Ordered

In an internal memo dated December 3, signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, the Army stated that the suspension was necessary to preserve manpower and experience as the Armed Forces expand their operations nationwide.

The memo cites Paragraph 3.10(e) of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, which allows service extensions “in the interest of the military,” even when officers have reached retirement benchmarks such as age limits or 35 years of service.

The document reads:

“In line with the President and Commander-in-Chief’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency… it has become expedient to temporarily suspend all statutory and voluntary retirements from the Nigerian Army with immediate effect.”

Categories of Officers Affected

The temporary suspension applies to officers who fall under the following categories:

Officers who failed promotion examinations three times
Officers passed over three times at promotion boards
Officers who have reached the age ceiling for their ranks
Officers who failed conversion boards three times
Officers who have completed 35 years of service

The Army stated that such officers may apply to continue serving, but those who choose to do so will not be eligible for:

Further promotions
Career courses
Army sponsorships
Self-sponsored courses
Secondments
Extra-regimental appointments

Commanders were directed to properly communicate the directive and maintain morale, with the policy set for review as security conditions improve.

Veterans and Ex-Generals Support the Decision

Several retired senior officers have publicly backed the Nigerian Army’s decision, describing it as both timely and strategic.

Dr. Awwal Abdullahi, Secretary-General of the Military Veterans Federation of Nigeria, told www.cjsoftflix.com that the suspension was “long overdue,” noting that many officers are prematurely retired despite being extensively trained with public funds.

He said:

“Most of these trained officers have more experience than the junior ones. It is a waste of resources to retire them simply because their juniors were appointed into certain positions.”

Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro called the suspension a “reasonable short-term emergency response,” adding that retaining seasoned officers would help stabilise command structures during ongoing operations.

He emphasised the need for improved welfare packages, saying:

“Since these officers will no longer have career progression, they must be compensated with enhanced salaries and welfare incentives.”

Aro also urged reforms to strengthen manpower, including accelerated recruitment, improved welfare, and bridging the divide between regular and short-service officers.

More Endorsements from Retired Military Leaders

Retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi also endorsed the suspension, calling it “a practical step in a critical security era.” He added that serving beyond normal retirement should be seen as an opportunity and a privilege.

Retired Brigadier General George Emdin, while supporting the policy, advised the military to discontinue the tradition of retiring officers once their coursemates become service chiefs. However, he cautioned against retaining officers who repeatedly fail promotion exams.

As Nigeria continues to confront worsening security challenges, the suspension of retirements marks a significant shift in military workforce management—one aimed at strengthening leadership, enhancing experience retention, and stabilising frontline operations.

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