Lagos, Nigeria – A total of 576 military personnel, including 26 females, have retired from the Nigerian Armed Forces, marking the end of their decades-long service to the country.

The retiring personnel, who served for 35 years or reached 60 years of age, were bid farewell at a Passing-Out Ceremony held at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) in Oshodi, Lagos.

The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, who represented the Nigerian Navy at the ceremony, praised the retirees for their courage, sacrifice, and professionalism, describing their contributions to national security and stability as “indelible”.

“You have stood firm in the face of danger and uncertainty, demonstrating the resilience and fortitude that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

The CNS urged the retirees to apply the vocational, financial management, and entrepreneurial skills they acquired during their service to excel in civilian life, cautioning them against poor financial decisions and extravagant spending.

The event also featured a minute of silence in honour of a participant who died during the course.

The CNS thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Armed Forces and commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, for their leadership.

The retiring personnel were also advised to remain role models in their communities and support local security initiatives, collaborating with law enforcement agencies “within the bounds of legality and patriotism”.