President Bola Tinubu’s newly approved exit benefits for recently dismissed service chiefs have sparked outrage among retired and serving junior military officers, who claim the government continues to neglect their welfare while rewarding a privileged few at the top.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Nivo News, the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; ex-Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar; and former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, are set to receive extravagant post-service packages, including bulletproof SUVs, backup vehicles, multiple domestic aides, lifetime medical care both at home and abroad, and a full security detail.

Their retirement followed President Tinubu’s decision to restructure the military leadership with new appointments announced on October 24, 2025. Under the new arrangement, General Olufemi Oluyede becomes Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General W. Shaibu assumes the role of Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke takes over as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas becomes Chief of Naval Staff. Major-General E.A.P. Undiendeye retains his position as Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The lucrative benefits for the outgoing chiefs were reportedly drawn from the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTCOS) for Officers and Enlisted Personnel, signed by President Tinubu in December 2024. The document grants each service chief one bulletproof SUV (replaced every four years), a backup vehicle, nine armed guards, five domestic aides, a personal assistant, and free medical treatment for life.

It also allows them to retain personal firearms, wear military uniforms during official functions, and continue receiving these benefits unless they take up another publicly funded appointment.

However, the development has triggered anger among lower-ranking retirees, many of whom live in poverty after years of service. They described the situation as a “betrayal” by the same military system they dedicated their lives to defending.

Speaking to reporters, Sergeant Zaki Williams, representing over 700 retired soldiers, lamented that while top officers enjoy luxury, many retired personnel still await unpaid pensions and gratuities. He accused the government of repeatedly ignoring promises to improve veterans’ welfare.

“The people at the top always create rules to favour themselves,” Williams said. “They don’t care about the poor soldiers who sacrificed everything for this country. We can’t even afford basic needs while they drive bulletproof cars.”

Another retired officer, Abdul Isiak, echoed the same frustration, accusing senior military officials of blocking efforts by the Ministry of Defence to resolve pension arrears and benefits for retired juniors.

“All we are asking for is our entitlement, not luxury,” Isiak said. “Many of us have died waiting for our pensions. Others do menial jobs just to survive. It’s shameful that only the top brass enjoy privileges while those who fought on the frontlines are left with nothing.”

Some retirees have threatened to resume protests to demand fairness, although others fear government reprisals. “We’ve been promised many things before, but nothing changed,” Williams added. “At this point, many of us have lost faith and just leave everything to God.”

Meanwhile, reports indicate that a new wave of retirements is imminent following the appointment of new service chiefs. Military sources suggest that over 50 senior officers, including generals and admirals, may be affected by the restructuring, as officers senior to the new chiefs are traditionally required to retire.

The development has reignited public debate on fairness, welfare, and reward systems in the Nigerian Armed Forces. While officials insist that the benefits are standard practice, critics say such lavish privileges for a select few highlight a deep-seated inequality within the system.

For many frustrated ex-soldiers, the message remains clear: “We are not asking for bulletproof cars—we just want our dignity back.”

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