Air Force Plans Withdrawal Of Firearms From Retired Officers

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it will soon begin a structured and lawful process of withdrawing service firearms from retiring personnel to strengthen weapons accountability, enhance public safety and align veteran administration with international best practices.

The service will, however, establish dedicated veterans’ well-being centres to provide specialised care and administrative support for retired officers.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Aneke revealed this yesterday during a meeting with NAF Veterans at the NAF Base in Abuja.

The air chief also revealed that NAF was also exploring a regulated armoury arrangement that would allow eligible retirees to lawfully possess approved firearm calibres for personal protection.

Air Marshal Aneke who was represented by the chief of administration, Air Vice Marshal Anthony Martins, said efforts were ongoing to retrieve all service-issued weapons from retiring officers and airmen, particularly senior citizens, to prevent risks associated with misuse, diversion or improper storage.

He added, “While respecting the provisions of the Firearms Act, efforts are ongoing to properly account for and retrieve service weapons where necessary. Additionally, modalities are being explored for the establishment of a regulated armoury system which would allow eligible retired personnel to lawfully possess approved calibres, in line with extant regulations.”

The CAS said the exercise was not punitive, rather an administrative necessity aimed at ensuring compliance with the Firearms Act while safeguarding retired personnel and the wider society.

He explained that modalities were being developed to ensure transparency, regulation and full compliance with national firearms laws before any such framework is implemented.

Aneke noted that the firearm withdrawal policy forms part of broader reforms in veteran administration, including plans to establish the Veteran Well-Being Centres nationwide.

He said the centres would serve as one-stop hubs for welfare support, documentation, security-related matters and healthcare coordination for retired personnel.

“These centres will provide specialised care, administrative support, help-desk services, and social integration platforms tailored to the unique needs of our veterans,”.

The CAS added that the Air Force was leveraging technology through digital platforms and help desks to improve communication and service delivery, especially for elderly veterans.

He reassured veterans that their safety and dignity remained paramount, stressing that the NAF would balance welfare considerations with national security imperatives.

The CAS also highlighted the importance of health and wellness in post-service life, describing it as a key pillar of veteran welfare and sustainable reintegration.

Dr Ugochukwutuberem Nnamdi, a public health practitioner from  the 063 Nigerian Air Force Hospital, Abuja, noted that health encompasses physical, mental and social well-being.

He said the transition from military to civilian life often presents emotional and psychological challenges, urging veterans to adopt healthy lifestyles and seek timely medical support.

The parley provided an interactive platform for veterans to share concerns and offer recommendations on welfare, security and post-service integration.