The Nigerian Army has suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements for certain categories of officers following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
This decision aims to retain manpower, experience, and operational capacity as the Armed Forces expand in response to rising insecurity.
The suspension applies to officers who have failed promotion examinations three times, been passed over three times at promotion boards, reached the age ceiling for their ranks, failed conversion boards three times, or completed 35 years of service.
Affected officers may apply to continue serving beyond their normal retirement dates, but those granted extensions will not be eligible for career progression, including promotions, career courses, Army sponsorships, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments.
Retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinbi endorsed the suspension, describing it as a practical step in a critical security situation. He dismissed concerns that officers who failed promotion exams might face challenges serving under junior commanders, insisting that existing structures would prevent confusion.
Retired Brigadier General George Emdin also welcomed the measure but urged the military to stop the tradition of retiring officers once their coursemates become service chiefs, arguing that the practice denies the military valuable expertise.
The Secretary-General of the Military Veterans Federation of Nigeria, Dr. Awwal Abdullahi, described the policy as timely and necessary.
Retired Brigadier General Peter Aro called the suspension a reasonable short-term emergency response, noting that retaining experienced personnel would help stabilise command structures during ongoing operations. However, he emphasised the need for enhanced welfare and financial incentives, since officers granted extensions would no longer qualify for promotions or career progression.
