Army bids farewell to 18 senior officers after 35 years of service

The Nigerian Army on Thursday honoured 18 senior officers of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport who retired after 35 years of service, marking their exit with a colourful pulling-out parade in Benin, Edo State.

The ceremony concluded a three-day corps conference themed: “Optimising Supply and Transport Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to NA Operations in All Missions.”

Corps Commander, Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Shagaya, said the retirees included four Major Generals and 14 Brigadier Generals, noting that each had served the country with unwavering dedication from commissioning to retirement.

He described the event as a celebration of loyalty and sacrifice.

“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 emphasised the significance of the pulling-out parade as a longstanding military tradition that recognises decades of service to the nation. Shagaya also commended the Chief of Army Staff for honouring the retirees by sending a representative to the ceremony.

Speaking on behalf of the retired officers, Maj.-Gen. Olaniyi Dare said their careers spanned decades of service in operational, command, and staff roles. He highlighted the critical importance of the Corps of Supply and Transport to the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness.

“We were entrusted with ensuring that soldiers deployed across different theatres of operation were adequately sustained,” he said.

Dare noted that whether during training missions, internal security operations, or peace support deployments at home and abroad, the corps consistently delivered reliable logistics support.

As they transition into retirement, he said the retirees remain committed to the values of the Nigerian Army and stand ready to offer their experience whenever called upon.

He also paid tribute to their families, acknowledging the sacrifices made behind the scenes.

“Military life often demands long separations and constant movement. Their understanding and encouragement made it possible for us to fulfil our duties,” Dare added.