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The Nigerian Armed Forces on Wednesday formally retired 812 non-commissioned officers, including 71 female personnel, from active service, with military authorities urging them to be cautious of fraudulent investment schemes and unrealistic business opportunities.
The retirees were discharged during a passing-out ceremony at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, following the completion of a six-month pre-retirement reintegration programme designed to prepare them for civilian life.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, represented by the Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Suleh, advised the retirees to apply the skills acquired during their training and remain guided by the values of discipline, integrity and patriotism.
A breakdown of the retirees showed that 515 personnel were from the Nigerian Army, 121 from the Nigerian Navy and 176 from the Nigerian Air Force. Military authorities also disclosed that 86 personnel were exempted from the training programme on health grounds, while three soldiers died during the pre-retirement course.
Aneke warned the retirees against falling victim to individuals and organisations promising unrealistic returns on investments or promoting unfamiliar business ventures.
He encouraged them to channel their resources into legitimate enterprises and contribute positively to community development and security initiatives in collaboration with relevant authorities.
The Air Chief expressed appreciation for their years of service, describing their contributions to national security, unity and territorial integrity as invaluable.
According to him, the retirees were leaving the military with honour after dedicating more than three decades to defending the nation.
He also praised NAFRC for its role in equipping retiring personnel with vocational and entrepreneurial skills necessary for economic independence after service, while commending the Commandant of the centre, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo, for reforms aimed at modernising its operations.
In his remarks, AVM Ilo said the centre remained committed to preparing retiring military personnel for productive civilian lives through practical training in entrepreneurship, management and vocational skills.
He noted that NAFRC had expanded its curriculum to include digital entrepreneurship, information technology, agribusiness, renewable energy, vocational innovation and contemporary business management.
The commandant further disclosed that discussions were ongoing with the Tony Elumelu Foundation on an empowerment initiative for widows and children of fallen military personnel to provide them with skills acquisition opportunities and economic support.
Ilo thanked President Bola Tinubu, the Ministry of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs for their support, which he said had contributed to recent achievements recorded by the centre.
He also acknowledged the contributions of corporate partners across the logistics, pharmaceutical, financial and manufacturing sectors toward the successful implementation of the programme.
Earlier, the Director of Training, Brigadier General Isang Akpaumontia, explained that participants reported for screening and documentation on January 9, during which 86 personnel were found medically unfit for the programme.
He said the remaining 724 participants received intensive training in 33 vocational and entrepreneurial fields, including information technology, agriculture, welding and fabrication, tailoring, baking, photography, leatherworks, cosmetics production, security management and business development.
The ceremony featured the presentation of awards to outstanding retirees and instructors in recognition of their performance during the programme. :::
