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A total of 542 senior Non-Commissioned Officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces were formally retired on Thursday in a ceremony held at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos.
The dignified send-off marked the end of active duty for 362 soldiers from the Nigerian Army, 134 personnel from the Navy, and 46 from the Air Force, after three and a half decades of service to Nigeria.
As families, friends, and colleagues gathered to witness the occasion, emotions ran high, with tears, applause, and words of gratitude echoing across the parade ground.
Representing Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Aligbe Obhiozele of the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), paid glowing tribute to the retirees, commending them for their courage, discipline, and loyalty throughout their military careers.
“Today we celebrate your courage, discipline, and selfless service to our great nation.
“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”, Obhiozele said.
The senior officer also issued a note of caution, advising the retirees to be prudent with their finances and take their health seriously. He emphasized that even in retirement, society expects them to maintain the discipline and integrity that defined their military years.
Bashir Mamman, Commandant of the Resettlement Centre, highlighted the centre’s efforts to support transitioning officers.
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He noted that since its establishment, the NAFRC has trained over 53,000 military personnel in various vocational and entrepreneurial skills to ease their reintegration into civilian life.
Mamman expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for approving key improvements at the centre.
These include expanded starter packs for retirees, digitization of military records, the upgrading of e-learning platforms, and the provision of modern equipment in the training workshops.
“These interventions have significantly enhanced our capacity to prepare servicemen for civilian life,” Mamman stated.
The retirees underwent months of intensive training in areas such as agriculture, welding, tailoring, ICT, and other vocations, equipping them with the skills needed to thrive outside the barracks.
During the ceremony, each retiree received a discharge certificate as the crowd of families and well-wishers cheered.
For many of the officers, the occasion was both emotional and hopeful. Sergeant Musa Bello, one of the retiring soldiers, shared his aspirations for the future.
“The training has prepared me well for civil life. I was trained in farming, and I hope to invest my gratuity in it. I am proud of my service years,” he said.
The highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic lowering of flags, signifying the end of military service for the 542 retirees.
