The Nigerian Army has suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements for select categories of officers, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency.
The suspension comes amid escalating insecurity across the country, with more than 600 mass-abduction cases recorded in November alone including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
President Tinubu, on November 26, declared a national security emergency and directed the military, police, and intelligence services to expand recruitment and deploy thousands of additional personnel.
An internal memo dated December 3, and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, said the temporary suspension was aimed at retaining manpower, experience, and operational capacity as the Armed Forces scale up operations nationwide.
The memo cited provisions of the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, noting that although officers are ordinarily required to retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years in service, or failing promotions or conversions repeatedly, extensions are permitted under Paragraph 3.10(e) “in the interest of the service.”
The directive stated that the President and Commander-in-Chief had mandated the expansion of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and that, in line with this directive, it had become necessary to temporarily suspend all statutory and voluntary retirements from the Nigerian Army with immediate effect.
According to the circular, the temporary suspension applies to officers who failed promotion exams three times, officers passed over three times at promotion boards, officers who have reached the age ceiling for their rank, officers who failed conversion boards three times, and officers who have completed 35 years in service. Affected officers may voluntarily apply for an extension of service. However, those who accept an extension will not be eligible for promotion, career courses, secondments, external appointments, or sponsorships.
The memo instructed commanders to manage morale and disseminate the directive immediately, noting that the policy will be reviewed as the security situation improves.
Veterans and ex-Generals back policy
The Secretary-General of the Military Veterans Federation of Nigeria, Dr. Awwal Abdullahi, welcomed the suspension, calling it long overdue. He said trained officers are often forced into premature retirement because of appointments that elevate their juniors, a practice he argued wastes valuable experience and taxpayer-funded training. “Most of these officers have more experience than their juniors. Retiring them simply because a junior was appointed is wasteful,” he said.
Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro described the measure as a “reasonable short-term emergency response,” noting that retaining experienced personnel would help stabilise command structures during ongoing operations. While he commended the voluntary nature of the extension, he emphasised that the Army must provide enhanced welfare and financial incentives since affected officers will not enjoy career progression.
Retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi also endorsed the suspension, describing it as a practical step given the country’s security challenges. He argued that serving beyond normal retirement should be viewed as a privilege and opportunity to contribute to national security. He dismissed concerns about officers serving under their juniors, insisting existing military structures would prevent confusion.
Retired Brigadier General George Emdin welcomed the decision but urged the military to end the practice of retiring officers once their coursemates become service chiefs, arguing that it deprives the military of valuable expertise. However, he opposed retaining officers who have repeatedly failed promotion examinations, stressing the need for high standards and enhanced welfare in such a demanding profession.
