542 senior military officers retire… here’s all to know
542 senior military officers retire
In a poignant ceremony held on Thursday, the Nigerian Armed Forces formally retired 542 senior Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) following 35 years of dedicated service to the nation. The event, which took place at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos, marked a significant transition for hundreds of servicemen into civilian life.
The breakdown of retirees included 362 personnel from the Nigerian Army, 134 from the Nigerian Navy, and 46 from the Nigerian Air Force, all of whom were honoured for their long-standing commitment, sacrifice, and professionalism in safeguarding the country’s security.
Delivering a goodwill message at the event, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by Major General Aligbe Obhiozele of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), commended the retirees for embodying the finest values of military discipline, patriotism, and resilience.
“Today we celebrate your courage, discipline, and selfless service to our great nation,” Obhiozele said. “Your 35-year journey reflects true commitment and honour. As you transition into civilian life, we urge you to remain ambassadors of the military by upholding these values in your communities.”
He also offered cautionary advice on the importance of financial prudence and health consciousness, urging retirees not to allow mismanagement or neglect to tarnish the legacy they had built over their years in uniform. “Society still looks up to you. The discipline you’ve shown throughout service must continue,” he added.
The Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, highlighted the Centre’s pivotal role in preparing officers for life beyond service. According to him, over 53,000 personnel have been trained by the Centre since its inception. He acknowledged the support of President Bola Tinubu for recent reforms aimed at improving retirement conditions for military personnel.
Among the new improvements cited were enhanced starter packs for retirees, the digitisation of military records, e-learning upgrades, and state-of-the-art workshop equipment—all geared towards making the post-service transition smoother and more sustainable.
“These interventions have significantly expanded our capacity to prepare retiring servicemen for meaningful civilian life,” Mamman said.
The retirees, having undergone months of intensive vocational training in areas such as agriculture, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurship, received their discharge certificates to the cheers and tears of their loved ones. While the moment was emotional for many, it was also filled with hope and pride.
Sergeant Musa Bello, one of the retirees, expressed optimism about life after service. “The training has prepared me well for civilian life. I was trained in farming, and I intend to invest my gratuity in agriculture. I am proud of my years in uniform,” he said.
The event concluded with the ceremonial lowering of military flags, symbolising the official end of their service to the nation—a gesture steeped in tradition and honour.