Military, Federal Government in Talks to Re-engage Retired Personnel

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has disclosed that the Nigerian military is in discussions with the Federal Government to explore opportunities for engaging retired military personnel in various capacities.

Speaking on Friday night during a 2024 send-off cocktail party organized to honor 18 retired and retiring generals, Musa emphasized that the skills and experiences of military retirees are invaluable assets that should not be left untapped.

The honorees included Maj. Gen. A. Mohamed, Maj. Gen. B.Y. Baffa, Brig. Gen. D.O. Donibo, Brig. Gen. J.Y. Nimmyel, Brig. Gen. K.F. Suleiman, Brig. Gen. D.J. Abdullahi, Brig. Gen. K. Abdulkarim, Brig. Gen. H.A. Gambo, Brig. Gen. P.K. Yayock, Brig. Gen. F.C. Onyeari, Brig. Gen. A.A. Nguru, Brig. Gen. A.K. Onasoga, Brig. Gen. A.O. Oladimeji, Brig. Gen. E.E. Eyong, Brig. Gen. S.N. Eze, Brig. Gen. I.I. Adamu, and Brig. Gen. O.J. George.

Musa urged the generals to remain prepared to serve the nation in new roles, noting that plans were underway to consider them for board appointments and other strategic positions.

“Your retirement is not a retreat into oblivion but an opportunity to serve a greater cause in national development,” Musa stated. “We are engaging with political leaders to ensure that the capacities and capabilities developed in the armed forces are not wasted. Retirees will be needed in national strategic planning, defence production, national security, and other critical areas.”

He noted that the move aligns with global practices where military veterans contribute to various sectors, enhancing national development beyond active service.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, also praised the retiring generals for their distinguished service and significant contributions to both national and international peace and security.

“These generals have epitomized honor, courage, and commitment throughout their illustrious careers,” Oluyede remarked. “They have served the nation in various capacities—instructional, staff, command, and diplomatic—and their expertise has been instrumental in shaping the Nigerian Army.”

Oluyede highlighted their critical roles in international peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and the Darfur region, as well as in the Bakassi Peninsula and domestic counter-terrorism efforts.

“Their unwavering dedication to defending our nation’s territorial integrity, protecting its citizens, and addressing internal security challenges posed by violent extremist groups has been an inspiration for many,” he added.

The event celebrated the enduring legacy of the retired and retiring generals while underscoring the importance of leveraging their experience for national progress.