The Nigerian Army on Thursday formally retired 18 senior officers of the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport (NACST), marking the conclusion of 35 years of dedicated service.
The retirement ceremony, which coincided with a three-day NACST conference in Benin, Edo State, was themed “Optimising Supply and Transport Capabilities Towards Providing Effective Service Delivery to NA Operations in All Missions.”
Maj.-Gen. Danjuma Shagaya, Corps Commander of NACST, announced that the retirees included four Major Generals and 14 Brigadier Generals. He described the event as both a celebration and recognition of their years of service.
“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 emphasized that the pulling-out ceremony is a longstanding military tradition designed to acknowledge service, dedication, and sacrifice.
Maj.-Gen. Olaniyi Dare, speaking on behalf of the retirees, highlighted the central role of the Corps in the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army. He said the officers had served in diverse operational, command, and staff roles both within and outside Nigeria.
“We were entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that soldiers deployed across various theatres of operation are adequately sustained,” Dare said. He added that during training, peace support missions, or internal security operations, the Corps consistently delivered reliable logistics support.
Dare reaffirmed the retirees’ commitment to the ideals of the Nigerian Army, stating, “While we may be leaving active service, 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 support of the officers’ families, noting that military life often involves long separations and personal sacrifices. “Their understanding, patience, and encouragement made it possible for us to fulfil our duties with dedication,” he said.
The Chief of Army Staff was represented at the ceremony, a gesture Shagaya praised as recognition of the retirees’ contributions. The colourful parade and formal events provided a moment for reflection on decades of service and commitment to national defence.
