The Nigerian Army has formally honoured 28 senior officers who retired from active service after completing 35 years of dedicated military service to the nation. The colourful and emotional pulling-out parade was held in Benin City, Edo State, marking the official transition of the officers from active duty to retirement.
The ceremony, which drew senior military officials, serving personnel, families, and invited guests, was characterised by military pageantry, tributes, and symbolic gestures of honour. It served as a final salute to officers whose careers spanned over three decades of service in various capacities within the Nigerian Army.
The retired officers were drawn from the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, an essential branch responsible for logistics, transportation, and supply chain management within the military. The group comprised senior ranks including Major Generals and Brigadier Generals, all of whom played key roles in ensuring the operational readiness of the Armed Forces through effective logistics support.
Over the course of their careers, the officers served in multiple formations and theatres of operation, both within Nigeria and in international peacekeeping missions. Their responsibilities included strategic planning, coordination of military supplies, troop movement, and administrative leadership in logistics operations that supported frontline engagements.
The pulling-out parade is a longstanding military tradition that symbolizes honour, discipline, and the orderly transition of service members who have reached retirement after years of loyal service. The event typically involves a formal parade inspection, military salutes, ceremonial drills, and a final escorted ride for the retiring officers as they exit active duty.
During the ceremony, the Corps Commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, Major General Danjuma Shagaya, delivered a tribute to the retiring officers, commending them for their professionalism, discipline, and unwavering commitment to duty throughout their careers.
He described their service as exemplary, noting that logistics remains one of the most critical components of military effectiveness. According to him, no military operation can succeed without a strong and efficient supply system, adding that the retiring officers contributed immensely to sustaining the operational capacity of the Nigerian Army.
Shagaya emphasized that the Corps of Supply and Transport has remained the backbone of military operations, ensuring that troops are adequately equipped, fed, transported, and supported in both peacetime and conflict situations. He further noted that the achievements recorded by the retiring officers would continue to form part of the institutional foundation upon which future military logistics operations would be built.
He also reminded the officers that retirement from active service does not diminish their value to the nation, stressing that their experience, discipline, and leadership remain important assets. He encouraged them to continue serving as role models and ambassadors of the Nigerian Army in their respective communities.
In their valedictory speeches, some of the retired officers expressed deep appreciation to the Nigerian Army for the opportunity to serve the country. They described their military journey as one filled with challenges, sacrifices, and achievements that shaped their personal and professional lives.
The officers reflected on the demands of military service, including long periods away from family, the pressures of operational responsibilities, and the need for constant readiness in the face of national security challenges. Despite these difficulties, they expressed pride in having contributed to the defence and stability of Nigeria.
They also acknowledged the support and camaraderie they received from colleagues and superiors throughout their service years, noting that teamwork and discipline were central to their success in the military. The retirees pledged to uphold the values instilled in them during their service and to continue contributing positively to society in retirement.
The ceremony was also marked by emotional scenes as family members, friends, and fellow officers witnessed the formal conclusion of the military careers of the retirees. Many of the officers exchanged final salutes with junior personnel, while others participated in the traditional escorted exit, riding in decorated military vehicles as part of the symbolic farewell process.
Military authorities used the occasion to reaffirm the importance of structured retirement processes within the Armed Forces. They noted that such ceremonies are not only symbolic but also essential in maintaining discipline, order, and continuity within the military hierarchy.
They further explained that the retirement system allows for the regular renewal of leadership while preserving institutional memory and ensuring that experience is passed on to younger officers rising through the ranks.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to recognizing and honouring officers who have served with distinction. It stated that ceremonies such as the pulling-out parade are important in boosting morale, strengthening loyalty, and reinforcing the values of service, sacrifice, and professionalism within the force.
The event concluded with full military honours, including salutes, ceremonial marches, and final farewells as the officers officially exited active service. The occasion marked the end of an era for the 28 senior officers, closing decades of dedication to the Nigerian Army and to the nation they served with commitment and honour.
