The Nigerian military has retired 576 personnel, including 26 women, following the successful completion of a pre-discharge reintegration course at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos.
The retirees, all senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs), comprised 366 personnel from the Nigerian Army, 90 from the Navy and 120 from the Air Force. They were part of 629 personnel enrolled in the course earlier in the year after completing over 30 years of meritorious service to the nation.
During the training period, one participant died, while 52 others were certified medically unfit and returned to their respective units with certificates of exemption.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, said the pre-discharge course was aimed at equipping retiring personnel with vocational, entrepreneurial and management skills to enable a smooth transition into civilian life. He was represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha.
The CNS described the retirement of the personnel as a moment of pride and reflection, commending them for their dedication to the defence of Nigeria’s peace, unity and territorial integrity. He noted that the graduation ceremony recognised their resilience and professionalism during wars, counter-insurgency operations, peacekeeping missions and humanitarian assignments both within and outside the country.
“You stood firm in the face of danger and uncertainty, and your contributions to national security will remain indelible,” he said, urging the retirees to adopt financial discipline, adaptability and prudent planning in their post-service lives.
He also encouraged them to remain exemplary citizens in their communities, support security efforts in collaboration with law-enforcement agencies and continue to uphold the honour and integrity of the Nigerian military.
In his remarks, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Rimi Mamman, highlighted key achievements recorded by the centre, including the renovation of accommodation blocks, improved workshops, installation of solar lighting, construction of new administrative buildings and the expansion of vocational and entrepreneurship programmes.
Mamman added that the centre had also introduced business registration lectures in partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
Earlier, the Deputy Director of Training, Navy Captain Jennifer Oklobia, disclosed that participants underwent training in 33 vocational and entrepreneurship trades, which included written and practical assessments, as well as an eight-week industrial attachment in public and private organisations.
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