The Nigerian Army on Friday held a pull-out ceremony for 28 retired senior officers at the Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre in Jaji, Kaduna State, marking the end of their active military careers.
The retired officers comprised 17 Major-Generals and 11 Brigadier-Generals of the Nigerian Army Corps of Infantry who exited the service after completing the mandatory years in service.
The colourful ceremony featured military parades, farewell honours, presentation of souvenirs and the symbolic pull-out of the retired generals.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Major-General Usman Yusuf described the event as emotional and memorable, saying it represented the conclusion of years of dedication, sacrifice and commitment to national service.
According to him, retirement is an unavoidable stage in the career of every military officer, beginning from the day of commissioning into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
Yusuf expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, for approving the ceremony in honour of the retiring officers.
He said the gesture demonstrated the Army leadership’s appreciation for the contributions and sacrifices made by senior officers in the course of their careers.
The retired general also commended the Commander of the Infantry Corps, Major-General Godwin Mutkut, for successfully organising the event.
Reflecting on their years in the military, Yusuf recalled their training days at the Nigerian Defence Academy and noted that the retiring officers contributed significantly to the development and operational achievements of the Nigerian Army.
He stated that the experiences and challenges encountered throughout their service years helped shape them into disciplined and capable leaders.
Yusuf urged officers and soldiers still in active service to continue upholding professionalism, discipline, loyalty and selfless service to the nation.
He stressed that the country’s security situation demands a proactive and combat-ready military capable of responding effectively to emerging threats.
“The Nigerian Army must continue to build on its record of courage, resilience and professionalism as operational demands continue to increase,” he said.
Yusuf expressed confidence that younger officers would sustain the legacies of leadership and mentorship established by the retired generals.
He also praised the Chief of Army Staff for providing leadership at a critical period of evolving security challenges across the country.
The retired officer thanked past and present national leaders for the opportunity to serve, while also appreciating their families for their unwavering support and sacrifices during their years in uniform.
“To the Infantry Corps, this will always remain home to me. I will forever remain loyal and committed as an Infantryman,” he added.
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