The Nigerian Army has placed an indefinite suspension on both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain categories of officers, following directives tied to the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu.
The decision was contained in an internal memo dated 3 December 2025, signed by Major General E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu.
According to the memo, the measure aims to maintain critical manpower and professional expertise as the Armed Forces intensify efforts to respond to escalating security threats across the country.
The document referenced the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service for Officers (HTACOS) 2024, which ordinarily stipulate retirement based on age limits for each rank, 35 years of service, or repeated failures in promotion or conversion processes.
However, the Army cited Paragraph 3.10(e), which grants authority to extend service when deemed necessary for military interest.
“Military service of a commissioned officer entails an unbroken period of service from commissioning or enlistment until retirement,” the memo explained, highlighting the standard rules governing exit from the service.
But the Army stressed that the extraordinary security situation necessitates temporary deviation from these norms.
The suspension applies to officers who have failed promotion exams three times, have been passed over for promotion three times, have reached the age ceiling for their rank, have failed conversion boards three times or have completed 35 years of service.
Officers affected may apply to extend their service beyond their scheduled retirement dates, though such an extension comes with limitations.
The memo clarified that officers granted extensions will not be eligible for promotions, career courses, sponsorships, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments.
Those who do not wish to continue in service are allowed to proceed with normal retirement procedures.
