Eighteen senior officers of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport have formally bowed out of active service after decades in uniform, marking the end of distinguished military careers spanning 35 years.
The officers were honoured at a ceremonial pulling-out parade held in Benin, Edo State, bringing to a close a three-day conference focused on strengthening logistics and operational efficiency within the Nigerian Army.
Speaking at the event, the Corps Commander, Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Shagaya, said the retired officers included four Major Generals and 14 Brigadier Generals, noting that they had served the nation with unwavering dedication from commissioning to retirement.
He described the occasion as both celebratory and reflective, saying “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 added that “the pulling-out ceremony is a longstanding military tradition that provides an opportunity to celebrate years of service and sacrifice”, while also commending the leadership of the Nigerian Army for recognising the contributions of the retirees.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the retired officers, Maj.-Gen. Olaniyi Dare highlighted the critical role of the corps in military operations, stating that “the Corps of Supply and Transport plays a central and indispensable role in the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army”.
He explained that “we were entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that soldiers deployed across various theatres of operation are adequately sustained”, adding that the corps consistently delivered reliable logistics support across training, peacekeeping, and internal security missions.
Reflecting on life after service, Dare noted that “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”.
He further assured that “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 also acknowledged the sacrifices of families of military personnel, noting the importance of their support in enabling officers to carry out their duties effectively.