The Nigerian Army on Thursday formally pulled out 18 senior officers from the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport following their retirement after 35 years of meritorious service.
The colourful pulling-out parade marked the conclusion of a three-day conference held in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.
The conference, themed “Optimising Supply and Transport Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to NA Operations in All Missions,” brought together key stakeholders within the corps to discuss ways to enhance operational efficiency.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Corps Commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Danjuma Shagaya, disclosed that the retired officers comprised four Major Generals and 14 Brigadier Generals.
Shagaya stated that the officers had served the nation with unwavering dedication from the time of their commissioning until retirement, describing the occasion as both a celebration and a recognition of their immense contributions.
“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 explained that the pulling-out parade remains a longstanding military tradition that provides an opportunity to celebrate years of service and sacrifice rendered to the nation.
The corps commander also commended the Chief of Army Staff for acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions of the retired officers by sending a representative to attend the ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Olaniyi Dare noted that their careers spanned several decades, during which they served the Nigerian Army in various operational, command, and staff roles.
According to him, the Corps of Supply and Transport plays a central and indispensable role in ensuring the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
“We were entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that soldiers deployed across various theatres of operation are adequately sustained,” he said.
Dare added that whether during training, peace support missions, or internal security operations both within and outside the country, the corps consistently remained committed to delivering reliable and efficient logistics support.
“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,” he said.
He described the ceremony as symbolic, noting that beyond its formal significance, it also offered a moment to reflect on decades of service, sacrifice, and dedication to national defence.
Dare further paid tribute to the families of the retired officers, acknowledging the vital role they played throughout their 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 said.
What you should know
The pulling-out parade is a significant tradition within the Nigerian Army, symbolising honour, respect, and the formal transition of senior officers into retirement after decades of service.
The Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport is responsible for logistics, including the movement of troops, equipment, and supplies, making it vital to military operations.
The retirement of 18 high-ranking officers highlights a generational shift within the corps, while also emphasising the importance of experience and institutional knowledge in sustaining ongoing military missions and national security efforts.
