A total of 542 senior Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) officially retired from the Nigerian Armed Forces today after dedicating 35 years of meritorious service to the nation. The retirement ceremony took place at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos, and featured service members from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Among those disengaging were 362 personnel from the Nigerian Army, 134 from the Nigerian Navy, and 46 from the Nigerian Air Force. The event marked a significant milestone for the retirees, highlighting their decades-long contribution to national defense, internal security, and peacekeeping operations across various parts of the country and beyond.

In his address during the ceremony, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, whose message was delivered on his behalf by Major General Aligbe Obhiozele, Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), praised the retirees for their unwavering dedication, discipline, and courage throughout their military careers. He described their 35 years of service as a demonstration of resilience, patriotism, and professionalism, which reflected the core values of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

The Army Chief urged the departing officers to carry the same principles of integrity and service into civilian life, encouraging them to become agents of positive change within their communities. He emphasized that though they were transitioning out of active military duty, their leadership and conduct would continue to be closely observed by society, which expects them to serve as role models and community leaders.

The ceremony not only served as a formal recognition of their service but also as a reminder of the critical role military personnel play in nation-building. It was a day of celebration, reflection, and honor for the men and women who devoted a lifetime to defending the sovereignty of

Nigeria.