Army halts all retirements as Tinubu declares security emergency
The Nigerian Army has frozen all statutory and voluntary retirements for specific categories of officers as the country battles a deepening security crisis, following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency.
More than 600 people were abducted across the country in November alone, including over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara and 25 students in Kebbi. With kidnappings spiralling and large-scale attacks stretching security agencies thin, the President ordered the immediate expansion of the armed forces, police and intelligence services, directing them to recruit 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 confirmed the military’s decision to halt retirements to preserve manpower and operational expertise. The memo cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) 2024, which ordinarily require officers to retire after reaching age ceilings, completing 35 years in service or failing promotion or conversion boards. However, it stressed that Paragraph 3.10(e) permits service extensions “in the interest of the service”, a clause now being invoked as insecurity worsens nationwide.
The document explained that the suspension covers officers who failed promotion exams three times, those passed over repeatedly at promotion boards, those who have reached age limits for their rank, officers who failed conversion boards three times and those who have served 35 years. Affected personnel may apply to remain in service, though the memo warned that any extension would come without promotion prospects, career courses, sponsorship or specialised postings.
It urged commanders to communicate the directive and manage morale across formations, adding that the policy would be reviewed once the security environment improves.
Military veterans and retired generals have largely backed the decision. The Secretary-General of the Military Veterans Federation of Nigeria, Dr Awwal Abdullahi, said the move was long overdue, arguing that the country wastes resources by prematurely retiring highly trained officers simply because a junior becomes a service chief. He insisted that experienced officers could be redeployed rather than pushed out.
Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro described the suspension as a necessary short-term measure that would stabilise command structures and preserve institutional memory at a time of intense pressure on the armed forces. But he warned that officers staying beyond their retirement date must be offered enhanced welfare packages and financial incentives if the policy is to succeed.
Another retired officer, Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi, called the decision a practical step in an emergency, insisting that serving beyond retirement should be viewed as a privilege and an opportunity to contribute to national security. He dismissed concerns about senior officers serving under juniors, saying the existing hierarchy was strong enough to prevent confusion.
Retired Brigadier General George Emdin also welcomed the move but urged the military to abolish the long-standing tradition of retiring officers whenever their coursemates become service chiefs, saying the practice deprives the forces of valuable expertise. However, he opposed extending the service of officers who repeatedly fail promotion exams.