NAFRC

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has charged retiring personnel of Pre-Discharge Course 1/2026 on the need for financial prudence, integrity, and responsible post-service planning, while cautioning them against fraudulent investment schemes and financial misadventures capable of undermining their retirement benefits.

He warned the graduands to exercise due diligence before committing their retirement savings to any venture and advised them to avoid unfamiliar or deceptive investment schemes that could jeopardize the financial security they have built over years of meritorious service.

The COAS gave the charge on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, during the colourful Graduation Dinner Night held at Badeh Hall, Oshodi — a prelude to the official Passing Out Ceremony scheduled for Thursday, 11 June 2026.

Represented by the Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, Major General S. Shamaru, the COAS congratulated the graduating personnel for attaining a significant milestone after decades of dedicated service to the nation. He noted that many of them had served in challenging operational environments in defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national security.

He further emphasized that retirement does not mark the end of relevance or service to society, urging the graduands to remain worthy ambassadors of the Armed Forces and continue contributing positively to peacebuilding, community development, and national growth.

Major General S. Shamaru also commended the Commandant for notable progress recorded at the Centre since assuming office on 15 December 2025, particularly in infrastructural development, personnel welfare, and curriculum enhancement, describing these improvements as critical to strengthening NAFRC’s mandate.

In his remarks, the Commandant of NAFRC, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo, commended participants for their discipline, commitment, and maturity throughout the training programme. He charged them to uphold the core military values of integrity, loyalty, patriotism, professionalism, and hard work as they transition into civilian life.

Air Vice Marshal Ilo encouraged the retiring personnel to maintain healthy lifestyles, make informed financial decisions, and fully leverage the entrepreneurial, vocational, and management skills acquired during their training at NAFRC. He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to equipping retiring service personnel with practical tools for successful reintegration and self-reliance.

The ceremony also recognized the sacrifices and support of families of retiring servicemen and women, with tributes paid to spouses for their patience, resilience, and steadfast commitment throughout years of military service.

Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the graduands, the General Course Senior, AWO Patrick Aboho, expressed appreciation to the Commandant, instructors, and staff of NAFRC for the impactful training experience and conducive learning environment, assuring that the course members would uphold the values of the Armed Forces in their post-service lives.

The evening ended in an atmosphere of camaraderie, reflection, and celebration as participants, guests, and families marked the successful completion of another phase of military service and the beginning of a new chapter in civilian life.