Military retires 576 as naval chief commends their years of service

By Philip Nwosu

No fewer than 576 military personnel disengaged from the services of the Nigerian Armed Forces on Friday, among whom were 26 female personnel.

Some of the retiring military personnel disengaged after reaching the mandatory 35 years of service or 60 years of age, while others voluntarily left the service after the first 10 years of engagement.

Admonishing the retiring officers, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, praised the courage, sacrifice and professionalism of the retiring personnel, describing their decades of service as “an indelible contribution to national security and stability.”

The CNS, who was represented by Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustafa, the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, at the Passing-Out Ceremony for Course 2/2025 participants of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, delivered the address.

The event also featured a minute of silence in honour of a participant who died during the course.

In his message, Vice Admiral Abbas lauded the retirees for serving Nigeria with honour in war and peace-time operations, counterinsurgency missions, peacekeeping deployments and humanitarian interventions.

“You have stood firm in the face of danger and uncertainty, demonstrating the resilience and fortitude that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said. “Your contribution to our national security, peace and stability remains indelible.”

He urged the graduating personnel to apply the vocational, financial management and entrepreneurial skills acquired at NAFRC as they transition into civilian life, noting that retirement marks “the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunity, peace and progress.”

Abbas cautioned the retirees against poor financial decisions, extravagant spending and unverified business ventures, stressing that post-service life requires self-discipline and prudent management of resources.

He encouraged them to remain role models within their communities, support local security initiatives, and collaborate with law enforcement agencies “within the bounds of legality and patriotism.”

The CNS thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Armed Forces, describing the President’s commitment to the welfare and development of personnel as “a source of strength and inspiration.”

He also commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for their leadership, and praised the Commandant and staff of NAFRC for maintaining high standards in the preparation of retiring personnel for post-service life.

Abbas further applauded the families of the graduating participants for their sacrifices over the years, saying they “shared in the burden of duty and deserved equal recognition.”

The CNS congratulated the graduates and urged them to remain steadfast in the values that defined their military careers.

“Be proud of yourselves and confident in your ability to make lasting contributions to our great nation,” he said.