The recently retired Chief of Defence Staff and two other service chiefs relieved of their duties by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are set to receive substantial retirement benefits, including bulletproof vehicles, security personnel, and annual medical allowances.
According to Leadership details contained in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) 2024, signed by President Tinubu, each of the retired officers will receive a bulletproof SUV and a Prado Jeep—or equivalent vehicles—as part of their exit package. The vehicles will be maintained by the respective services and replaced every four years.
The document, marked “Restricted”, further stipulates that the retired officers are entitled to $20,000 annually for medical expenses, alongside several other privileges.
Among the benefits listed are five domestic staff, one security officer, nine standard guards, three service drivers, personal firearms, and free medical care both within and outside Nigeria. They will also retain their military uniforms and regalia for ceremonial occasions.
“The following benefits shall be the entitlements of the CDS and Service Chiefs: one bulletproof SUV or equivalent vehicle, one Prado Jeep or equivalent backup vehicle, five domestic aides, a personal security officer, escorts, and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad,” the HTACOS document stated.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant-Generals and their equivalents will receive a Toyota Hilux and a Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent vehicles, with $20,000 annual medical cover. Retiring Major-Generals and Brigadier-Generals are to get a Toyota Land Cruiser, domestic aides, guards, drivers, and up to $15,000 per year in medical expenses.
President Tinubu had on Saturday announced the removal of the service chiefs as part of efforts to “strengthen the national security architecture.” The announcement was made through a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare.
