Tinubu’s Service Chiefs Retirement Shake-Up: Each to Get Bulletproof SUV, $20,000 Annual Medical Cover
In a sweeping move that has stirred nationwide discussions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to retire the former Chief of Defence Staff and two other service chiefs has unveiled the extensive benefits awaiting the nation’s top military officers. Akahi News gathered that, under the newly approved Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) 2024, each of the retired chiefs will receive a bulletproof SUV, a Prado Jeep, and an annual medical allowance of $20,000.
Lavish Exit Packages for Retired Chiefs
According to the HTACOS 2024 document signed by President Tinubu and obtained by Leadership Sunday, the luxury vehicles will be maintained by their respective services and replaced every four years. The document, marked “Restricted”, also details several other benefits including domestic aides, security personnel, and full medical cover in Nigeria and abroad.
Akahi News learnt that the retired service chiefs — including General Christopher Musa, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar — will each retain their military uniforms for ceremonial purposes and are entitled to:
- One bulletproof SUV or equivalent vehicle
- One Prado Jeep or equivalent backup vehicle
- Five domestic workers (two cooks, two stewards, and one gardener)
- One security officer and nine standard guards
- Three service drivers and a personal assistant
- Retention of personal firearms (retrieved upon death)
- Annual medical allowance of $20,000
The HTACOS 2024 also stipulates that Lieutenant-Generals and their equivalents will receive one Toyota Hilux, one Toyota Land Cruiser, and $20,000 annual medical cover, while Major-Generals, Brigadier-Generals, and other one-star officers will enjoy varying benefits based on rank, including vehicles, drivers, domestic staff, and medical coverage ranging from $10,000 to $15,000 per year.
Tinubu’s Military Realignment and New Appointments
The presidential shake-up also saw the appointment of new service chiefs to replace the outgoing officers. Akahi News reports that General Olufemi Oluyede has been named Chief of Defence Staff, while Major-General W. Shaibu takes over as Chief of Army Staff. Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke assumes office as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas becomes the new Chief of Naval Staff.
Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye retains his role as Chief of Defence Intelligence. The changes, according to the presidency, aim to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture and enhance coordination within the Armed Forces.
Mass Retirement Looms Among Senior Officers
Military insiders told Akahi News that the latest shake-up could trigger a wave of retirements within the armed forces. Senior generals, especially those from Course 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Defence Academy, may voluntarily retire since it is traditional not to serve under junior officers.
One top source revealed that “over 60 generals” could exit the service following the new appointments, adding that the government would have to commit substantial funds to settle the affected officers’ retirement entitlements.
Senate to Begin Screening of New Chiefs
Akahi News gathered that the Senate’s joint committee on Defence, Army, and Navy is expected to commence the screening of the newly appointed service chiefs this week. The screening exercise is likely to be conducted behind closed doors, with the nominees expected to present their strategies for addressing the nation’s security challenges.
Strategic Move by Tinubu, Says Obono-Obla
Reacting to the development, former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigative Panel on Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, described the reshuffle as a strategic step by President Tinubu to consolidate reforms within the security sector.
Speaking with Leadership Sunday and cited by Akahi News, Obono-Obla said the president’s decision reflects “a canny mastery of Nigeria’s complex governance dynamics,” adding that Tinubu’s move was “a deliberate attempt to reinvigorate the military with new ideas and energy.”
He noted that the reshuffle demonstrates the president’s effort to balance geopolitical sensitivities while reinforcing national unity. “Mr President has subtly used this opportunity to navigate the country’s fault lines and ensure broader representation within the military leadership,” he stated.
As Nigeria adjusts to its new security leadership, attention now turns to the Senate’s confirmation process and the incoming chiefs’ capacity to deliver on their mandates. With the generous exit packages for outgoing officers and growing calls for defence reforms, the spotlight remains firmly on how President Tinubu’s new team will steer the nation’s security direction in the coming years.
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