The Nigerian Armed Forces yesterday retired 812 soldiers including 71 women from active service, advising them to avoid putting their benefits in fraudulent investment schemes.

Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, gave the warning at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, were the non-commissioned officers had their passing-out ceremony after a six-month reintegration programme.

The CAS who was represented by the Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Abubakar Suleh, reminded the retirees that the trainings they underwent at NAFRC was to aid their transition to civil life, urging them to uphold discipline, integrity and patriotism imbibed during their years of active service.

The Nation reports that of the 812 retirees, 515 were from the Nigerian Army, 121 drawn from the Navy and 176 of the Air Force. While 86 personnel were documented and exempted from the rigorous training on health grounds; three soldiers who participated died during the pre-retirment course.

Addressing the graduands, Aneke cautioned retirees to beware of individuals who might attempt to exploit their retirement benefits through deceptive schemes and false promises.

He warned against unrealistic investments and unfamiliar business ventures.

The CAS urged retirees to support lawful community development and security initiatives, adding that they should collaborate with constituted authorities to promote peace and stability.

He thanked the retirees for their service to the country, noting their sacrifices, patriotism and unwavering commitment to national security.

According to him, they were leaving active military service with honour and remarkable accomplishments after contributing significantly to the defence, unity and territorial integrity of the country for over 30 years.

He commended NAFRC for its growing reputation as a centre of excellence in vocational and entrepreneurial development, particularly for retiring military personnel seeking economic independence after service.

Aneke also commended NAFRC Commandant, AVM Nnaemeka Ilo, for introducing reforms to modernise the centre and expand its impact.

The Commandant in his remarks, said NAFRC has continued to equip retiring personnel with practical vocational, entrepreneurial and management skills needed to become self reliant and contribute meaningfully to national development.

He noted the medical outreach and other social responsibility initiatives undertaken by NAFRC to better connect with its immediate host community, asking that comprehensive reform agenda were being pursued.

AVM Ilo said NAFRC has also undertaken review of its training curriculum with greater emphasis on digital entrepreneurship, information technology, agribusiness, renewable energy, vocational innovation and modern business management.

According to him, discussions were on with the Tony Elumelu Foundation on a proposed empowerment programme for widows and children of fallen military personnel, to provide skills and economic opportunities for affected families.

The Commandant appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ministry of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and service chiefs for their support, which he said had contributed significantly to recent achievements recorded by the institution.

He also acknowledged the support of several corporate organisations and partners including logistics, pharmaceutical, financial and manufacturing companies that contributed to the successful conduct of the training programme.

In his brief, the Director of Training,

Brig.-Gen. Isang Akpaumontia, said participants reported for the course on January 9 for screening and documentation, adding that it was during that period the 86 were discovered to be unfit.

He said the remaining 724 were exposed to intensive instruction across 33 vocational and entrepreneurial disciplines, including information technology, agriculture, welding and fabrication, tailoring, bakery, photography, leather works, cosmetics production, security management and business development.

The Nation reports that highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to deserving retirees and instructors. (The Nation, excluding headline)