A total of 542 senior non-commissioned officers in the Nigerian Armed Forces officially retired on Thursday after completing 35 years of meritorious service to the nation.
The retirement ceremony, held at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos, saw 362 officers from the Nigerian Army, 134 from the Navy, and 46 from the Air Force formally end their military careers.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, at the event was Major General Aligbe Obhiozele of the Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). He lauded the retirees for their unwavering discipline, resilience, and loyalty to Nigeria.
“Today we celebrate your courage, discipline, and selfless service to our great nation,” Obhiozele said. “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.”
He also advised the retirees to manage their finances prudently and prioritise their health, stressing that their conduct in retirement should continue to reflect the discipline of the military.
Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, highlighted ongoing efforts to better equip retiring officers for civilian life. He said the centre, since its inception, had trained over 53,000 personnel across the services.
Mamman commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recent improvements to the resettlement programme, which include larger starter packs for retirees, digitisation of personnel records, updated e-learning modules, and new technical equipment for workshops.
“These interventions have significantly enhanced our capacity to prepare servicemen for civilian life,” Mamman stated.
The retirees, who underwent vocational training in areas such as agriculture, crafts, and entrepreneurship, were awarded discharge certificates at the ceremony. Many expressed hope for the future, buoyed by the skills and support received.
Sergeant Musa Bello, one of the retirees, shared his optimism:
“The training has prepared me well for life outside service. I was trained in farming, and I hope to invest my gratuity in it. I am proud of my service years.”
The emotional ceremony concluded with the traditional lowering of the Armed Forces flag, symbolising the official end of active duty for the retiring officers. Their departure marks not just the end of a military chapter, but the beginning of a new journey in service to society.
