The Nigerian Army on Thursday honoured and formally pulled out 18 senior officers of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (NACST) following their retirement after 35 years of dedicated service to the nation.
The colourful pulling-out parade, held in Benin City, marked the grand finale of a three-day conference attended by top military personnel and stakeholders. The conference, themed “Optimising Supply and Transport Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to NA Operations in All Missions,” focused on strengthening logistics support across the Army’s operations.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Corps Commander, Danjuma Shagaya, said the retired officers comprised four Major Generals and 14 Brigadier Generals who had served with distinction from their commissioning to retirement.
He described the occasion as both celebratory and symbolic, noting that it was an opportunity to recognise decades of sacrifice, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to duty.
“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 added that the pulling-out parade remains a cherished military tradition, designed to celebrate long years of meritorious service while ushering officers into retirement with dignity and pride.
Shagaya also commended the Chief of Army Staff for identifying with the retirees and sending a representative to grace the occasion, describing the gesture as a mark of respect for their invaluable contributions.
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Responding on behalf of the retirees, Olaniyi Dare highlighted the critical role played by the Corps of Supply and Transport in sustaining military operations across various theatres.
“Our careers spanned several decades during which we served in operational, command, and staff roles across the Nigerian Army,” he said. “We were entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that soldiers deployed across different theatres are adequately sustained.”
Dare noted that whether during training exercises, peace support missions, or internal security operations within and outside the country, the corps remained steadfast in delivering efficient and reliable logistics support—an essential backbone for operational success.
He assured that although the officers were transitioning out of active service, their commitment to the ideals and values of the Nigerian Army would remain unshaken.
“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 added.
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Describing the ceremony as deeply symbolic, Dare said it provided a rare opportunity to reflect on years of sacrifice, dedication, and contributions to national defence.
He also paid glowing tribute to the families of the retired officers, acknowledging their resilience and sacrifices throughout the officers’ careers.
“Military life often demands long separations, personal sacrifices, and constant movement. The understanding, patience, and encouragement of our families made it possible for us to serve with dedication,” he said.
The event drew serving and retired senior officers, family members, and well-wishers, all gathered to celebrate the legacy and service of the departing generals, whose contributions have left a lasting imprint on the Nigerian Army’s logistics and operational capabilities.
