Nigerian Army Pulls Out 28 Senior Infantry Officers in Jaji
The Nigerian Army Corps of Infantry on Friday formally retired 28 senior officers from active service during a colourful and emotional pull-out ceremony held at the Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre in Jaji, Kaduna State.
The retired officers comprised 17 Major-Generals and 11 Brigadier-Generals who completed the mandatory years of service in the Nigerian Army.
Speaking on behalf of the retired generals, Major-General Usman Yusuf expressed gratitude to God for the privilege of witnessing the occasion in good health and high spirits.
He described the ceremony as both memorable and emotional, noting that it symbolised decades of sacrifice, dedication, and patriotic service to the nation.
Yusuf stated that retirement from military service was an inevitable phase in the career of every officer, adding that the journey effectively begins from the day an individual is commissioned into the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
He commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, for approving and organising the pull-out ceremony in honour of the retiring officers.
According to him, the gesture demonstrated that the Nigerian Army under Shaibu’s leadership values the sacrifices and contributions of its senior officers.
The retired general also praised the Commander of the Infantry Corps, Major-General Godwin Mutkut, for ensuring the successful hosting of the event.
Reflecting on their years in service, Yusuf recalled their formative days at the Nigerian Defence Academy and noted that the retired officers collectively contributed to the operational successes, growth, and institutional development of the Nigerian Army.
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“Every day in service brought fresh challenges, responsibilities, and experiences that shaped us into stronger, more resilient, and capable officers prepared for command, instructional, and staff appointments,” he said.
He urged serving officers and soldiers to uphold the values of professionalism, discipline, sacrifice, and loyalty exemplified by the retiring generals.
Yusuf further stressed that Nigeria continues to face increasingly complex security threats, making it imperative for the Army to remain proactive and operationally prepared.
“The battlespace is expanding and the Army’s operational commitments continue to grow, with the eyes of the nation and the international community on the military,” he stated.
“You must never rest on your oars because the Nigerian Army has built an enviable reputation through courage, resilience, and professionalism.”
He expressed confidence in the younger generation of officers to build on the legacies of leadership, mentorship, and professionalism established by the outgoing generals.
Yusuf also described the Chief of Army Staff as a seasoned professional and visionary leader capable of steering the Army through emerging security challenges.
He appreciated past and present national leaders for the opportunity to serve the country and paid tribute to family members for their sacrifices, prayers, patience, and unwavering support throughout their military careers.
“To the Infantry Corps, this will forever remain home to me. I am an Infantryman and shall remain one for the rest of my life — loyal, committed, and steadfast,” he added.
The ceremony featured ceremonial parades, presentation of souvenirs, and the symbolic pull-out of the retired generals from active military service.
By PRNigeria
