In a landmark ceremony, the Nigerian Army has officially retired 15 senior officers from its Artillery Corps, marking a significant change within its ranks. The retiring officers include 11 Major Generals and four Brigadier Generals, who have collectively played pivotal roles in delivering artillery support during critical military operations.
The retirement ceremony was held at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State, where the achievements and service of the outgoing generals were honored. The Artillery Corps, known for providing essential firepower in combat situations, has been instrumental in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Nigerian Army.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Nigerian Army acknowledged the contributions of the retired officers, stating: “The Nigerian Army formally pulled out 15 retired generals from the Artillery Corps on Saturday, October 19, 2024, during a ceremony at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State. The group of retirees included 11 Major Generals and 4 Brigadier Generals.”
During the ceremony’s highlight, Maj. Gen. James Myam (retd.), speaking on behalf of the retired officers, reflected on their military careers with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude. He attributed their success to divine grace, thanking God for protection throughout their service. Maj. Gen. Myam also expressed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation and extended his gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, wishing him continued wisdom and strength in leading the Army.
Reflecting on their early days in the military, Maj. Gen. Myam recalled the moment they entered the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna as young Officer Cadets. He encouraged the officers still in active service to remain loyal to the Nigerian Constitution and the democratically elected government. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance and a strong security consciousness in carrying out their duties.
The retired general also took a moment to express gratitude to their families, spouses, friends, instructors, and mentors, who played significant roles throughout their military careers. The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking retired and serving military officers, including former Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Alwali Kazir (retd.).
This ceremony marks the end of an era for the retiring officers and opens a new chapter in the continued development and leadership of the Nigerian Army’s Artillery Corps.
