Nigerian Military Retires 542 Senior Officers After 35 Years of Meritorious Service In a solemn and celebratory ceremony held on Wednesday at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos, the Nigerian military officially retired 542 senior Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) who had completed 35 years of dedicated service to the nation. This
Nigerian Military Retires 542 Senior Officers After 35 Years of Meritorious Service
In a solemn and celebratory ceremony held on Wednesday at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos, the Nigerian military officially retired 542 senior Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) who had completed 35 years of dedicated service to the nation.
This mass retirement marks a significant moment in the Armed Forces, honoring the men and women whose decades of commitment have contributed to national security, military excellence, and discipline across Nigeria’s defense structure.
Farewell Parade for 542 Veteran Servicemen
The breakdown of the retired personnel includes 362 soldiers from the Nigerian Army, 134 from the Nigerian Navy, and 46 from the Nigerian Air Force. These officers, all of whom rose through the ranks as Non-Commissioned Officers, represented the bedrock of the military’s operations and daily functions.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who was represented by the Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Major General Aligbe Obhiozele, delivered a keynote message praising the retired servicemen for their unrelenting loyalty and service.
“Today we celebrate your courage, discipline and selfless service to our great nation,” said Obhiozele. “Your 35-year journey embodies the finest military traditions of resilience and patriotism. As you transition to civilian life, we urge you to uphold these values and become pillars in your communities.”
NAFRC Training Equips Retirees for Civilian Life
The Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre played a central role in preparing the outgoing officers for life outside military service. Over the course of several weeks, the retirees underwent specialized training in various vocational skills, designed to support their integration into civilian society and equip them with the tools to sustain themselves post-retirement.
From farming to entrepreneurship, the resettlement program at NAFRC ensures that these veterans don’t merely return to civilian life but do so with purpose, preparation, and empowerment. Discharge certificates were formally presented to each of the retirees, symbolizing the end of their service journey and the beginning of a new chapter.
Speaking on the transition, one of the retirees, Sergeant Musa Bello, shared his optimism: “The training has prepared me well for civil life. I was trained on farming. I hope to invest my gratuity in it. I am proud of my service years.”
His sentiments reflect the general mood of satisfaction and readiness among the newly retired officers, many of whom expressed pride in their careers and enthusiasm for their next steps.
Army Chief Encourages Continued Discipline
Beyond their technical and vocational training, the COAS emphasized the importance of carrying the values of discipline, loyalty, and leadership into civilian life. “The disciplined life you led as members of the Armed Forces should not be discarded,” General Oluyede advised in his message. “Instead, it should be the foundation for the impact you will now make as civilians.”
He also reminded them that retirement from active service does not diminish their role in national development. Their leadership and experience, he said, will be vital in guiding their communities, mentoring youth, and supporting national unity from a civilian standpoint.
The military’s emphasis on values and continuity reflects an institutional belief that retirement is not an end but a transition into a broader sphere of influence within Nigerian society.
Celebrating Decades of Dedication
The retirement ceremony featured a mix of formal military tradition and heartfelt farewell, with attendees including military brass, families of the retirees, and top commanders. The Armed Forces resettlement events are designed not just to conclude military careers, but to recognize the personal sacrifices and years of silent dedication these officers have offered.
The Nigerian military, facing both internal and external security challenges over the decades, has relied on the commitment of such personnel to sustain its operational capacity. This batch of retirees leaves behind a legacy of service during some of the country’s most complex security periods.
As Nigeria continues to evolve and face new challenges, the knowledge and experience of these veterans remain a crucial asset—many of whom are expected to take on roles as consultants, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
Their journey serves as a reminder that service to nationhood extends far beyond the uniform.
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