The Nigerian Army has indefinitely suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements for certain categories of officers following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
An internal memo dated 3 December, signed by Major General E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, said the decision was aimed at preserving manpower, expertise and operational readiness as the armed forces expand to tackle rising insecurity.
The memo, which cited the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers 2024, explained that officers ordinarily retire after reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service or failing promotion and conversion processes, but noted that extensions are allowed in the interest of service.
“The President and Commander-in-Chief declared a nationwide security emergency on November 26, mandating the expansion of the AFN and other security agencies. In line with this, and to rapidly expand manpower, it has become expedient to temporarily suspend all statutory and voluntary retirements from the Nigerian Army with immediate effect,” the memo said.
It said the suspension affects officers who failed promotion examinations three times, were passed over for promotion three times, reached the age ceiling for their ranks, failed conversion boards three times, or completed 35 years in service.
The document added that affected officers who wish to remain in service are required to apply for service extensions.
“Officers in these categories who are not interested in extension of service are to continue with the normal retirement procedure. Officers desirous of extension should note that upon extension, they are not eligible for career progression, including promotion, career courses, NA sponsorship, self-sponsored courses, secondment, or extra-regimental appointments,” it said.
