Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja — In a decisive move responding to the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Army has indefinitely suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements for selected categories of officers. The directive, outlined in an internal memo dated 3 December 2025, was signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, emphasizing the urgent need to preserve manpower, retain expertise, and maintain operational readiness across the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
According to the memo, the suspension is designed to ensure the military can rapidly expand its human resources to address escalating insecurity across the country. The memo cites provisions under the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers (HTACOS) 2024, which normally govern retirement policies, including age ceilings for ranks, completion of 35 years of service, and repeated failures in promotion or conversion boards. Paragraph 3.10(e) of HTACOS allows for extensions of service when deemed necessary in the interest of the military, a clause now being activated to strengthen the Army’s operational capacity.
The memo highlights that “Military service of a commissioned officer entails a period of unbroken service in the AFN from the date of enlistment or commissioning to the date of retirement. The period of service is determined by conditions enshrined in the HTACOS Officers 2024. These include attainment of age ceilings on various ranks, 35 years maximum length of service, and other criteria provided in Paragraphs 11.02(d) and 17.15, among extant regulations. 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 directive follows the nationwide security emergency declared by the President on 26 November 2025, which mandates a rapid expansion of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies. The memo stresses that retaining experienced officers is critical to sustaining operational effectiveness, particularly as the country faces heightened threats from insurgency, banditry, and other forms of organized crime.
Specifically, the suspension affects officers in the following categories: those who have failed promotion examinations three times, those passed over for promotion three times, officers who have reached the age ceiling for their current rank, those who have failed conversion boards three times, and officers who have completed 35 years of service. Affected officers have the option to apply for an extension if they wish to remain in active service, though the memo clarifies that those who decline the extension will follow the normal retirement procedures.
The memo also stipulates that officers granted extensions will not be eligible for career progression, including promotion, attendance at career courses, sponsorships by the Nigerian Army, self-sponsored courses, secondment opportunities, or extra-regimental appointments. This measure is aimed at balancing the need for experienced personnel with the fairness of career planning for younger officers.
Military analysts have noted that the suspension of retirements represents a rare but necessary strategy in Nigeria’s current security landscape. By retaining experienced personnel who might otherwise exit service, the Army aims to consolidate intelligence, operational skills, and leadership capabilities at a time when insurgent attacks and criminal activities have intensified across multiple regions.
Observers have emphasized that the suspension may also have broader implications for military morale and structure. While experienced officers bring critical knowledge to ongoing operations, younger officers awaiting promotion may face delays in career advancement. Military leadership has acknowledged this trade-off, asserting that the current security emergency justifies temporary adjustments to normal administrative procedures.
The Army’s action comes amid a period of heightened insecurity in Nigeria, characterized by repeated attacks on civilians, growing activity from armed groups in rural areas, and a surge in kidnappings for ransom. Security experts suggest that maintaining a larger pool of trained and experienced officers will enhance the military’s ability to deploy rapid response teams, coordinate multi-agency operations, and strengthen border and internal security.
In addition to operational readiness, the measure is expected to aid in mentoring and training junior officers, ensuring continuity of strategic expertise. By retaining officers who would normally retire, the Army seeks to safeguard institutional knowledge that is crucial in counter-insurgency operations, intelligence gathering, and civil-military coordination.
President Tinubu’s nationwide security emergency underscores the government’s recognition of escalating threats, and the Army’s suspension of retirements aligns with broader initiatives to fortify the country’s security architecture. The memo indicates that affected officers who wish to continue service must formally apply for extensions, which will be granted in accordance with operational requirements and the discretion of the Chief of Army Staff.
While the move is framed as temporary, the Army has indicated that the suspension will remain in effect “until further notice,” reflecting the evolving security environment and the need for flexible personnel management. The leadership has also emphasized that operational deployment, adherence to military discipline, and the protection of civilians remain the highest priorities.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions among military personnel and the public. Veterans and security analysts generally view the suspension as a prudent step to strengthen national defense capabilities, particularly in regions affected by insurgency and banditry. Conversely, some officers awaiting retirement have expressed concern about career stagnation and the inability to transition to post-military opportunities.
Legal experts point out that the Army’s reliance on HTACOS 2024 and Paragraph 3.10(e) provides a clear regulatory framework for the suspension, ensuring that the measure is consistent with existing military law and policy. They also note that the directive reinforces the principle that national security considerations can justify temporary adjustments to statutory retirement procedures, especially under declared emergencies.
The suspension is expected to complement other ongoing government initiatives, including increased recruitment, modernization of military equipment, enhanced intelligence operations, and inter-agency coordination with the police and paramilitary services. Collectively, these measures aim to bolster Nigeria’s security response and protect lives, property, and national assets amid persistent threats.
In conclusion, the indefinite suspension of statutory and voluntary retirements by the Nigerian Army represents a strategic response to the country’s heightened security challenges. By retaining experienced officers and ensuring operational continuity, the Armed Forces seek to maximize their effectiveness in protecting citizens and supporting government efforts to restore stability. The measure underscores the government’s commitment to proactive, adaptive strategies in addressing national security threats and highlights the critical role of human resources in achieving a resilient defense posture.
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