The Nigerian Army on Thursday formally pulled out 18 senior officers of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, who retired after 35 years of service.
Naija News reports that the colourful pulling-out parade marked the conclusion of a three-day conference held in Benin, the Edo State capital.
The conference had the theme, “Optimising Supply and Transport Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to NA Operations in All Missions.”
Speaking at the ceremony, the Corps Commander, Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Shagaya, said the retirees comprised four major generals and 14 brigadier generals.
Shagaya said the officers served the nation with dedication from the time of their commissioning until their retirement.
“It is a joyous moment for the Corps of Supply and Transport, as current and former Corps Commanders are present to honour and celebrate these distinguished officers,” he said.
He added that the pulling-out ceremony is a longstanding military tradition used to recognise years of service and sacrifice.
The corps commander also commended the Chief of Army Staff for recognising the sacrifices of the officers by sending a representative to attend the ceremony.
According to him, the event was both a celebration and a recognition of the officers’ contributions to the Nigerian Army and national defence.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Maj.-Gen. Olaniyi Dare said their careers spanned several decades, during which they served in various operational, command and staff roles.
He explained that the Corps of Supply and Transport plays a critical role in sustaining military operations.
“We were entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that soldiers deployed across various theatres of operation are adequately sustained,” he said.
Dare added that the corps had consistently delivered logistics support during training, peace support missions and internal security operations both within and outside the country.
The retired officer said that although they were leaving active service, their commitment to the values of the Nigerian Army remained strong.
He said, “As we transition into retirement, we recognise that while we may be leaving active service, our commitment to the ideals and values of the Nigerian Army remains steadfast.
“We will continue to serve as ambassadors of the corps and remain available to contribute our experience and knowledge whenever we are called upon.”
Dare also paid tribute to the families of the retired officers for their support throughout their military careers.
He added, “Military life often demands long separations, personal sacrifices, and constant movement.
“Their understanding, patience, and encouragement made it possible for us to fulfil our duties with dedication.”
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
