The Nigerian Armed Forces has formally retired 542 senior Non-Commissioned Officers after 35 years of dedicated national service. The retirement ceremony took place at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos, on Thursday.

Out of the 542 retirees, 362 served in the Nigerian Army, 134 in the Nigerian Navy, and 46 in the Nigerian Air Force. The ceremony, attended by senior military officers, family members, and friends, was filled with emotion as the veterans marked the end of a long and honourable career.

Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, Major General Aligbe Obhiozele of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) addressed the gathering. He commended the retirees for their commitment and sacrifice.

“Today we celebrate your courage, discipline and selfless service to our great nation,” he said. “Your 35-year journey embodies the finest military traditions of resilience and patriotism.”

He advised them to remain responsible citizens and role models. “As you transition to civilian life, we urge you to uphold these values and become pillars in your communities,” he added.

Training, Transition Support, and New Life Beyond the Uniform

Obhiozele also warned against financial recklessness and poor health habits. He said the public still expects them to display discipline and leadership even after retirement.

Commandant of the Resettlement Centre, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Mamman, gave an overview of NAFRC’s efforts to equip retiring officers for civilian life. He said over 53,000 military personnel have passed through the centre’s training programmes since its inception.

Mamman expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for authorising major improvements at the centre. These include larger starter packs for retirees, record digitisation, e-learning infrastructure, and upgraded technical workshops. He said these upgrades had “significantly enhanced our capacity to prepare servicemen for civilian life.”

The retirees were trained in vocational trades including agriculture, carpentry, electrical works, welding, ICT, fashion design, and more. They received discharge certificates in the presence of proud families and colleagues.

Sergeant Musa Bello, one of the retirees, said the training had equipped him well. “I was trained in farming, I hope to invest my gratuity in it. I am proud of my service years,” he said with a smile.

The ceremony concluded with the lowering of the national and service flags, symbolising the veterans’ official exit from military service.

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