Tinubu’s Strategic Shake-Up: Retired Service Chiefs to Receive Bulletproof SUVs, Luxury Benefits, and $20,000 Annual Medical Allowance under New HTACOS 2024

In a sweeping military reshuffle that has reshaped the leadership of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved comprehensive retirement packages for the outgoing Chief of Defence Staff and two other service chiefs, each set to depart with luxurious entitlements under the newly revised Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service (HTACOS) 2024.

According to the document marked “Restricted” and obtained by Sunday LEADERSHIP, the retired service chiefs will each receive one bulletproof SUV and one Prado Jeep (or equivalent vehicles), which will be maintained and replaced every four years by their respective services. In addition, the officers are entitled to an annual medical allowance of $20,000, covering healthcare both within and outside Nigeria.

The HTACOS 2024, signed by President Tinubu, details a comprehensive package of privileges for retired generals and senior officers. It also outlines the continuation of ceremonial rights and the retention of all military uniforms and accoutrements for appropriate national events.

Beyond their luxury vehicles, each of the retired service chiefs will enjoy a robust support structure comprising five domestic aides (two service cooks, two stewards, and one gardener), one Aide-de-Camp/Security Officer, one Special Assistant or Personal Assistant, nine standard guards, three service drivers, and one service orderly. They will also retain personal firearms to be retrieved only upon their demise and enjoy free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad, reinforcing the federal government’s commitment to honouring their service.

A portion of the HTACOS document reads:

“The following benefits shall be the entitlements of the CDS and Service Chiefs: one bulletproof SUV or equivalent vehicle, to be maintained by the Service and replaced every four years; one Prado Jeep or equivalent backup vehicle; retention of all military uniforms and accoutrements to be worn for appropriate ceremonies; five domestic aides (2 x Service cooks, 2 x stewards, and 1 x civilian gardener); one Aide-de-Camp/Security Officer; one Special Assistant (Lt/Capt or equivalent) or one personal assistant (WO or equivalent); standard guard (9 soldiers); three Service drivers; one Service orderly; escorts (to be provided by appropriate military units/formations as the need arises); retention of personal firearms (to be retrieved by the relevant Service upon the officer’s demise); and free medical cover in Nigeria and abroad.”

According to the HTACOS 2024, Lieutenant-Generals and their equivalents will each receive one Toyota Hilux and one Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent, alongside two cooks, two stewards, four guards, one orderly, and two drivers, in addition to medical coverage of up to $20,000 annually. Major-Generals and Brigadier-Generals will get one Toyota Land Cruiser or equivalent, one cook, one steward, two guards, one orderly, and one driver, plus $15,000 medical allowance. For one-star officers, the entitlements include a Toyota Camry or equivalent vehicle, one driver, two guards, one orderly, and $10,000 annual medical coverage.

In the same breath, President Tinubu announced the appointment of new service chiefs to replace the outgoing officers. The new lineup includes General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Defence Staff (replacing General Christopher Musa), Major-General W. Shaibu as Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S. K. Aneke as Chief of Air Staff, and Rear Admiral I. Abbas as Chief of Naval Staff. The Chief of Defence Intelligence, Major-General E. A. P. Undiendeye, retains his position.

According to a statement signed by Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, the changes were made “to further strengthen the national security architecture and reposition the Armed Forces for optimal performance.”

Following the announcement, the Nigerian Armed Forces are bracing for an exodus of senior officers, as dozens of generals, particularly those from Courses 39 and 40 of the Nigerian Defence Academy are expected to voluntarily retire in line with tradition. Military insiders reveal that over 60 generals may proceed on retirement to make way for the new service chiefs, who are from Courses 40 and 41. A senior source disclosed:

“We will have more than 60 generals retiring. The new Army Chief is from Course 41. Those in service from Course 39 and even some from 41 will want to retire.”

The ripple effect of these retirements will compel the Federal Government to allocate significant funds to settle gratuities, pensions, and entitlements as outlined in the new HTACOS.

Meanwhile, the Senate Joint Committee on Defence, Army, and Navy is expected to commence screening of the new service chiefs this week. Sources in the National Assembly indicate that President Tinubu has already communicated the nominations to the Senate leadership, and the screening will likely be conducted behind closed doors. The newly appointed chiefs are expected to present comprehensive plans to tackle insecurity, including terrorism, banditry, and oil theft.

Reacting to the development, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, former Chairman of the Special Presidential Investigative Panel on Recovery of Public Property (SPIP), described the move as a “strategic realignment” by President Tinubu to inject fresh energy into the security sector. According to him:

“It reflects how he (Tinubu) has been able to navigate and manoeuvre through the complexities of governance. After settling into office, he engaged in midterm rumination, pondering and reflecting on the imperative of assembling a new team within the Armed Forces and security apparatuses.”

Obono-Obla added that the shake-up was both a performance assessment and a strategic balancing act, ensuring geopolitical fairness and renewed vigour within the security command structure.

“The shake-up and introduction of a new team reinvigorated and with a fresh lease of life, aims to ensure that the security challenges which have grappled and confronted the country are dealt with decisively, using new gusto, fresh strategies, and dynamic trajectories,” he concluded.

With this major military overhaul and the luxurious send-off packages for outgoing generals, President Tinubu’s administration appears intent on blending reform with reward, signalling both appreciation for past service and a determined push toward a revitalised national defence strategy.