The Nigerian Army has suspended statutory and voluntary retirements for specific categories of officers following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
The suspension, contained in an internal memo dated Dec. 3 and signed by Maj.-Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, is aimed at retaining experienced manpower as the Armed Forces expand operations in response to rising insecurity.
Official records show that more than 600 mass abduction cases were reported nationwide in November, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger, 38 worshippers in Kwara and 25 students in Kebbi.
Tinubu had, on Nov. 26, declared a national security emergency and directed the military, police and intelligence agencies to expand recruitment and deploy additional personnel to affected areas.
The memo referenced the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, noting that while officers are ordinarily required to retire upon attaining age ceilings, completing 35 years in service, or failing promotion or conversion examinations, the regulations allow extensions when necessary.
“Notwithstanding these provisions, Chapter 3.10(e) of HTACOS Officers 2024 allows for extension of service to officers in the interest of the service,” the memo stated.
The temporary suspension covers officers who have reached age limits, failed promotion or conversion examinations three times, been passed over at promotion boards, or have completed 35 years of service.
The Army said officers willing to continue service may apply for extension but noted that extended service would not attract promotion, career courses, sponsorship or extra-regimental appointments.
Formations and units were directed to circulate the directive, manage morale and ensure compliance. The Army added that the policy would be reviewed as the security situation improves.
Several retired senior officers have endorsed the move.
Dr Awwal Abdullahi, Secretary-General of the Military Veterans Federation of Nigeria, described the suspension as a “welcome development,” saying trained officers should not be retired prematurely amid heightened insecurity.
A retired Brig.-Gen., Peter Aro, said the measure was a “reasonable short-term emergency response,” but called for improved welfare and special incentives for officers who choose to remain in service without prospects of further career progression.
Another retired officer, Brig.-Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (rtd.), said the suspension was a practical step given current challenges, while retired Brig.-Gen. George Emdin urged the military to end the practice of retiring officers once their coursemates become service chiefs. He, however, disagreed with extending service for officers who repeatedly fail promotion examinations.
The suspension forms part of government measures to address manpower shortages and strengthen operational capacity across the Armed Forces.