Nigerian Army Retires 12 Generals After Spending 35 Years In Service

The Nigerian Army has retired twelve generals of the Infantry Corps after spending 35 years in active service.

Ezenwoko’s Blog reports that the 12 generals were retired in a pulling out parade held at the Infantry Corps Centre in Jaji Military Cantonment, Kaduna State on Friday.

One Lieutenant-General, seven Major Generals, and four Brigadier Generals were pulled out of the military, bringing the total number of the retired generals to 12.

The major generals pulled out of service include M.D. Abubakar, I. Birigeni, C.M. Abraham, A.C.C. Agundu, T.O.B. Ademola, A.M. Jalingo and A.S. Maikobi.

Brigadier generals M.A. Bashirudeen, D.M. Onoyiveta, and two others were also pulled out, while lieutenant-general Lamidi Adeosun was also retired.

Speaking on behalf of the retired generals, Adeosun said the pulling out parade shows that the Nigerian Army still respects its customs and traditions.

Adeosun, who retired as the same rank as the Chief of Army Staff, Faruk Yahaya, said retirement from active duty is a natural and inevitable end of service for every soldier.

He said: “I am happy to state with every sense of pride that this valedictory pulling out parade is an indication that the Nigerian army, particularly the infantry corps waxing stronger by adhering to its customs and traditions,” he said.

“Today is a day of many emotions; nostalgia, gratitude, joy and a sense of fulfilment.

“Retirement from active duty is a natural and inevitable end of service for every serving personnel, and it begins to count from the day you join the ranks of the armed forces of Nigeria.

“We count ourselves lucky as we are able to witness this event in such an atmosphere of frenzy and boisterous manner.”

Adeosun urged all their successors to sustain the “good legacies and continue to build on their achievements.”

He said it is imperative to do so, as the nation has never been faced with grave security challenges as it is being witnessed today.

Adeosun also urged serving officers not to relent, adding that the army has for long kept a good name and image.