Nigerian Army Honors 18 Retired Generals After 35 Years of Distinguished Service
By Nexio News | [Current Date]
Benin, Nigeria — The Nigerian Army celebrated the retirement of 18 senior officers from the Army Corps of Supply and Transport (NACST) in a grand ceremony held in Benin City, Edo State, on Thursday. The event marked the end of their 35-year military careers, filled with dedication to national security and logistical excellence.
A Celebration of Service and Sacrifice
The officers—comprising four Major Generals and 14 Brigadier Generals—were honored in a traditional military “pulling-out” parade, a symbolic farewell reserved for retiring officers. The ceremony capped off a three-day conference focused on improving supply and transport operations to enhance the Nigerian Army’s effectiveness in missions nationwide.
Major General Danjuma Shagaya, Commander of the NACST, praised the retirees for their unwavering commitment to the nation.
“Today is both a celebration and a recognition of their immense contributions,” Shagaya said. “These officers have served with distinction, ensuring our troops were well-supplied in every operation—whether in training, peacekeeping, or combat missions.”
He also thanked the Chief of Army Staff for acknowledging the retirees’ sacrifices by sending a representative to the event.
Decades of Dedication to National Security
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Major General Olaniyi Dare reflected on their decades-long service, which included critical roles in logistics, command, and operational support.
“The Corps of Supply and Transport is the backbone of the Nigerian Army,” Dare said. “Without efficient logistics, no military operation can succeed. We took pride in ensuring our soldiers had the resources they needed, wherever they were deployed.”
He emphasized that while they were retiring from active duty, their loyalty to the military remained strong.
“We may be stepping down, but we will always be ambassadors of the corps,” he said. “If our experience is ever needed again, we stand ready to serve.”
A Tribute to Military Families
Dare also paid tribute to the families of the retired officers, acknowledging the personal sacrifices they endured over the years.
“Military life demands long separations, constant relocations, and personal sacrifices,” he said. “Our families stood by us with patience and encouragement, making it possible for us to serve with dedication.”
The emotional moment highlighted the often-overlooked challenges faced by military families, drawing applause from attendees.
A Legacy of Excellence
The three-day conference preceding the ceremony focused on optimizing supply chains and transport logistics to support the Nigerian Army’s evolving needs. The theme, “Optimising Supply and Transport Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to NA Operations in All Missions,” underscored the critical role the NACST plays in national defense.
As the retirees marched off the parade ground for the last time, the event served as a poignant reminder of their decades of service—and the enduring impact of their work on Nigeria’s security.
— Reported by Nexio News
