The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has advised retiring military personnel to exercise financial discipline and avoid fraudulent investment schemes that could erode their retirement benefits.
Speaking at the graduation dinner for participants of Pre-Discharge Course 1/2026 at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, the Army Chief urged the retiring personnel to conduct proper due diligence before committing their retirement savings to any business venture or investment platform.
Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Major General Shamsideen Shafaru, at the event held on Tuesday, Shaibu cautioned the graduands against unfamiliar and deceptive investment opportunities capable of jeopardising the financial security built over years of dedicated service.
He congratulated the retiring servicemen and women on reaching a significant milestone in their careers, noting that many had served in difficult operational environments in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national security.
The COAS stressed that retirement should not be seen as the end of service to society, encouraging the personnel to remain good ambassadors of the Armed Forces by contributing to peacebuilding, community development and national growth.
He also commended the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo, for the progress recorded at the centre since assuming office in December 2025, particularly in infrastructure development, personnel welfare and curriculum enhancement.
In his remarks, Ilo praised the participants for their discipline, commitment and maturity throughout the training programme. He urged them to uphold the military values of integrity, loyalty, patriotism, professionalism and hard work as they transition into civilian life.
The commandant further encouraged the retiring personnel to maintain healthy lifestyles, make informed financial decisions and apply the entrepreneurial, vocational and management skills acquired during their training to achieve self-reliance after service.
The ceremony also paid tribute to the families of the retiring personnel, especially their spouses, in recognition of the support and sacrifices made throughout their years in the military.
Speaking on behalf of the graduands, the General Course Senior, AWO Patrick Aboho, thanked the management, instructors and staff of NAFRC for the quality training and conducive learning environment, pledging that members of the course would continue to uphold the values of the Armed Forces in retirement.
The graduation dinner, held at Badeh Hall ahead of the official passing-out ceremony scheduled for June 11, ended on a celebratory note as participants, guests and family members marked the successful completion of another phase of military service and the beginning of a new chapter in civilian life.
