Security Emergency: Army suspends exit of officers to boost manpower

The Nigerian Army has suspended all statutory and voluntary retirements for specific categories of officers following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu, as the country battles an unprecedented wave of mass abductions.

The policy shift, communicated through an internal memo dated December 3 and signed by. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, aims to retain experienced personnel and stabilise operations amid rising insecurity across several regions.

The memo, referencing the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, stated that although officers typically retire after reaching age limits, completing 35 years in service, or failing promotion or conversion boards multiple times, the law permits extensions “in the interest of the service.”

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“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 memo read.

It explained that the President’s directive to expand the Armed Forces made it “expedient to temporarily suspend all statutory and voluntary retirements from the Nigerian Army with immediate effect.”

The suspension applies to officers who have failed promotion examinations three times, those who have been passed over three times at promotion boards, officers who have reached the age ceiling for their ranks, those who have failed conversion boards three times, as well as officers who have already completed 35 years of service.

Affected officers may apply to continue serving beyond their normal retirement dates.

However, the memo emphasised that those opting for extension would no longer be eligible for promotion, career courses, secondment, or appointments outside their current roles.

Commanders were instructed to manage morale among their personnel and ensure full dissemination of the directive.

The Army also stated that the policy would be reviewed once the security situation improves.

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According to official data, over 600 mass abductions were recorded in November alone, including the kidnapping of more than 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers abducted in Kwara State, and 25 students kidnapped in Kebbi State, among others.

The surge in attacks prompted President Tinubu on November 26 to declare a national security emergency, ordering an expansion of military recruitment and deployment of thousands of additional personnel.

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