The Nigerian Army has suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements for selected categories of officers following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu to combat rising insecurity across the country.
The directive was contained in an internal memo dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff. The move is aimed at retaining experienced manpower as security agencies intensify operations against kidnappings and violent crimes.
Over 600 cases of mass abductions were recorded in November alone. Major incidents included the abduction of more than 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
Following these developments, President Tinubu on November 26 declared a nationwide security emergency and ordered the military, police, and intelligence agencies to expand recruitment and deploy additional personnel nationwide.
The memo referenced the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers 2024, which provide that officers are normally retired upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years in service, or failing promotion or conversion processes repeatedly. However, it noted that service extension is permitted in the interest of the military.
The circular stated that the suspension applies to officers who failed promotion examinations three times, those passed over at promotion boards three times, officers who reached the age ceiling for their ranks, those who failed conversion boards repeatedly, and officers who have completed 35 years in service.
Affected officers were advised to apply for extension if willing to continue in service. Those who decline will proceed with normal retirement. Officers granted extension will not be eligible for promotion or career advancement.
Reacting, the Secretary General of the Military Veterans Federation of Nigeria, Dr Awwal Abdullahi, welcomed the decision, describing it as timely and necessary.
