Nigerian Military Retires 576 Personnel Following Completion Of NAFRC Reintegration Program

According to Ireporter Online, the Nigerian military has officially retired 576 personnel, including 26 women, following their completion of the pre-discharge course at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi. The retirees, all senior non-commissioned officers (SNCOs), comprised 366 from the Army, 90 from the Navy, and 120 from the Air Force, many of whom served the country for over 30 years with unblemished records.

Of the 629 personnel originally enrolled in the course earlier this year, one trainee passed away during the program, while 52 were deemed medically unfit and returned to their units with certificates of exemption.

Speaking at the passing-out ceremony, Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, explained that the pre-discharge course is designed to equip military personnel with vocational and management skills to aid their transition into civilian life. Represented by Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, the CNS commended the retirees for their dedication to defending Nigeria’s peace, unity, and territorial integrity.

He described the ceremony as a celebration of their resilience and professionalism across combat, counter-insurgency, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions both domestically and internationally. “You stood firm in the face of danger and uncertainty, and your contributions to national security remain indelible,” he said, urging retirees to adopt financial prudence, discipline, and adaptability in civilian life, while continuing to serve as role models and support community security initiatives.

NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal Bashir Rimi Mamman, highlighted several achievements under his leadership, including renovated accommodation blocks, improved workshops, solar-powered lighting, new administrative buildings, and expanded vocational and entrepreneurship programs. The centre also introduced business registration lectures in collaboration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

Deputy Director of Training, Navy Captain Jennifer Oklobia, noted that participants received training in 33 vocational and entrepreneurship trades, followed by written and practical assessments and an eight-week industrial attachment in both public and private sectors.