The Nigerian Army on Thursday formally bade farewell to 18 senior officers of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (NA CST) following their retirement after 35 years of distinguished service.
The ceremony marked the conclusion of a three-day conference held in Benin, the Edo State capital, which carried the theme: “Optimising Supply and Transport Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to NA Operations in All Missions.”
Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Shagaya, Corps Commander of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport, disclosed that the retirees included four Major Generals and 14 Brigadier Generals. He praised their decades of dedication and sacrifice, highlighting that the event served both as a celebration of their achievements and as formal 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,” Shagaya said. He explained that the pulling-out ceremony is a longstanding military tradition that offers an opportunity to honour years of service and personal sacrifice. The Corps Commander also commended the Chief of Army Staff for sending a representative to the occasion, signalling the high value placed on the contributions of the retirees.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Maj.-Gen. Olaniyi Dare reflected on careers that spanned several decades, during which they served in various operational, command, and staff roles across the Nigerian Army. He emphasised the central role of the Corps of Supply and Transport in sustaining soldiers during training, peace support missions, and internal security operations both within and outside the country.
“We were entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that soldiers deployed across various theatres of operation are adequately sustained,” Dare said. He added that while the retirees are leaving active service, their commitment to the ideals and values of the Nigerian Army remains steadfast, and they will continue to serve as ambassadors for the corps, offering their experience and knowledge when called upon.
Maj.-Gen. Dare also paid tribute to the families of the retiring officers, acknowledging the personal sacrifices that enabled the officers to carry out their duties effectively. “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 stated.
The ceremony, filled with pomp and military precision, symbolised decades of service, resilience, and unwavering commitment to national defence, providing a fitting farewell to a generation of officers whose careers helped shape the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army.
This event not only celebrated the personal achievements of the retirees but also highlighted the enduring importance of the Corps of Supply and Transport in supporting Nigeria’s military operations at home and abroad.
