The Nigerian Army on Thursday formally retired 18 senior officers from the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, marking the end of their distinguished 35-year military careers.
The officers were celebrated at a colourful pulling-out parade held in Benin City, the Edo State capital, bringing to a close a three-day conference focused on strengthening logistics operations within the Army.
The event, themed “Optimising Supply and Transport Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to NA Operations in All Missions,” drew senior military officials and past leaders of the corps.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Corps Commander, Major General Danjuma Shagaya, said the retirees included four Major Generals and 14 Brigadier Generals who had served the nation with dedication since their commissioning.
He described the occasion as both a celebration and recognition of the officers’ immense contributions to the Nigerian Army.
“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,” Shagaya said.
He added that the pulling-out parade remains a longstanding military tradition designed to honour years of sacrifice, commitment, and service.
Shagaya also commended the Chief of Army Staff for acknowledging the contributions of the retiring officers by sending a representative to the ceremony.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, Major General Olaniyi Dare reflected on decades of service across various operational, command, and administrative roles within the Army.
He highlighted the critical role of the Corps of Supply and Transport in ensuring the effectiveness of military operations, noting that logistics support remains central to mission success.
“We were entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that soldiers deployed across various theatres of operation are adequately sustained,” Dare said.
He added that the corps consistently delivered reliable logistics support during training exercises, peacekeeping missions, and internal security operations both within and outside Nigeria.
Dare assured that although the officers were leaving active service, their commitment to the values and ideals of the Nigerian Army would remain unwavering.
“We will continue to serve as ambassadors of the corps and remain available to contribute our experience and knowledge whenever we are called upon,” he said.
He also used the opportunity to appreciate the families of the retirees, acknowledging their sacrifices and unwavering support throughout their military careers.
“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,” he added.
The ceremony served as a moment of reflection on decades of service and dedication to national defence, as the officers formally bowed out of active duty.
