Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has indefinitely suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements for specific categories of officers, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
An internal memo dated December 3, 2025, signed by Major General E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, stated that the measure aims to preserve manpower, expertise, and operational readiness as the Armed Forces expand to address escalating insecurity across the country.
The memo cited the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers (HTACOS) 2024, which normally govern retirement based on age, completion of 35 years of service, or repeated failures in promotion or conversion processes.
However, Paragraph 3.10 (e) allows service extensions when it is deemed in the interest of the military.
The memo stated that the suspension affects officers who have: failed promotion exams three times, been passed over for promotion three times, reached the age ceiling for their rank, failed conversion boards three times, or completed 35 years of service.
It added that officers wishing to continue service may apply for extensions, but those granted extensions will not be eligible for career progression, including promotions, career courses, Nigerian Army sponsorship, self-sponsored courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments.
It said officers uninterested in extension may proceed with normal retirement procedures.
The Army said the measure is intended to rapidly expand manpower in response to the President’s directive, ensuring the military remains fully capable of tackling rising insecurity across Nigeria.
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