On Thursday, 18 senior officers of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport were pulled out following their retirement after 35 years of meritorious service.

The pulling-out parade marked the conclusion of a three-day conference held in Benin, the Edo capital.

Speaking at the ceremony, the corps commander, Danjuma Shagaya, said the retired officers comprised four major generals and 14 brigadier generals.

Mr Shagaya noted that the officers had served the nation with dedication from the time of their commissioning until retirement.

He described the event as both a celebration and a recognition of their 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  ceremony was a longstanding military tradition that provided an opportunity to celebrate years of service and sacrifice.

The corps commander also commended the army chief for recognising the sacrifices and contributions of the retired officers by sending a representative to grace the occasion.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Olaniyi Dare said their careers spanned several decades, during which they served the Nigerian Army in various operational, command, and staff roles.

According to him, the corps plays a central and indispensable role in the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.

Mr Dare added that during training, peace support missions, or internal security operations within and outside the country, the corps remained committed to delivering reliable and efficient logistics support.

He described the ceremony as symbolic, noting that beyond its significance, it offered a moment to reflect on decades of service, sacrifice, and commitment to national defence.

He also paid tribute to the families of the retired officers, acknowledging their critical role.

“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. 

(NAN)