The Nigerian Army has frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for specific categories of officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
The decision comes in response to escalating insecurity across the country, with over 600 kidnapping cases 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.
President Tinubu had, on November 26, declared a national security emergency, directing the armed forces, police, and intelligence agencies to intensify recruitment and deploy thousands of additional personnel to tackle worsening threats.
To support the expanded operational demand, an internal memo dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff announced the immediate suspension of retirements. The circular explained that while officers ordinarily retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotions and conversion boards, the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024 allows extensions when required “in the interest of the service.”
The memo stated that the President’s declaration necessitated urgent manpower expansion, making it “expedient to temporarily suspend all statutory and voluntary retirements from the Nigerian Army with immediate effect.”
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The suspension affects officers who have failed promotion exams three times, been passed over multiple times at promotion boards, reached rank age ceilings, failed conversion boards thrice, or completed 35 years in service.
Officers who wish to continue serving beyond their scheduled retirement dates may apply for an extension. However, those who choose not to remain are permitted to proceed with standard retirement procedures. The memo noted that officers granted extensions will not be eligible for promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental postings during the period.
Commanders have been directed to communicate the directive to personnel and ensure effective morale management. The Army added that the policy will be reviewed once national security conditions improve.