The Nigerian Army on Thursday formally retired 18 senior officers from the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (NACST) after they completed 35 years of distinguished service to the nation.
The event, marked by a colourful pulling-out parade in Benin, Edo State, brought to a close a three-day conference held in the state capital. The conference was themed “Optimising Supply and Transport Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to Nigerian Army Operations in All Missions.”
Addressing attendees at the ceremony, the Corps Commander of NACST, Major General Danjuma Shagaya, disclosed that the retired personnel included four Major Generals and 14 Brigadier Generals. He commended them for their unwavering dedication and commitment to duty from the time they were commissioned into the army until their retirement.
Shagaya described the occasion as both celebratory and reflective, noting that it served as a platform to honour the immense contributions of the officers to the growth and effectiveness of the corps. He highlighted that the presence of both serving and former Corps Commanders underscored the importance of the moment and the respect accorded to the retirees.
He further explained that the pulling-out parade is a long-established military tradition designed to recognise and appreciate years of service, sacrifice, and loyalty to the nation. The Corps Commander also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for sending a representative to witness the ceremony, describing the gesture as a demonstration of recognition for the retirees’ contributions.
Speaking on behalf of the retired officers, Major General Olaniyi Dare reflected on their decades-long careers, during which they held various operational, command, and administrative roles within the Nigerian Army. He emphasised the critical role played by the Corps of Supply and Transport in ensuring the effectiveness of military operations.
According to Dare, the corps has consistently been responsible for providing essential logistics support to troops deployed across different operational theatres. He noted that whether during training exercises, peacekeeping missions, or internal security operations both within and outside Nigeria, the corps remained committed to delivering dependable and efficient services.
He stated that although they were stepping away from active duty, their loyalty to the values and principles of the Nigerian Army would remain intact. He assured that the retired officers would continue to serve as ambassadors of the corps and would be willing to offer their expertise and experience whenever required.
Dare described the ceremony as symbolic, explaining that beyond its formal significance, it provided an opportunity to reflect on years of dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to national service.
He also paid tribute to the families of the retired officers, acknowledging their vital support throughout their military careers. He noted that military life often involves prolonged periods away from loved ones, frequent relocations, and personal sacrifices, adding that the patience, understanding, and encouragement of their families played a crucial role in enabling them to serve the nation effectively.