113 generals retire, defence minister calls for loyalty from armed forces

A collective of 113 Nigerian Army Generals bid farewell to the service on Tuesday.

The breakdown comprises one General, one Lieutenant General, 67 Major Generals, and 44 Brigadier Generals.

During the Regimental Dinner Night organized in Abuja to honor the newly retired and retiring senior officers of the Nigerian Army, Defense Minister Abubakar Badaru commended the Army’s contribution to the country’s democratic progress.

Badaru highlighted the Army’s exemplary role in the West African region and beyond, urging other services in the area to follow its lead.

As per a statement on Wednesday from Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, the minister encouraged the Army to maintain its loyalty to the constitution and continue supporting the development of democracy in the nation.

The statement partly read,  “The minister charged members of the Armed Forces to remain loyal and sustain the culture of supporting democracy in Nigeria and across the shores.”

“He added that the disposition of the Armed Forces towards democracy had made it a shining example in West Africa and an influencer in the comity of nations.”

“The minister noted that the occasion provided the Nigerian Army the opportunity to reflect on its service and profound dedication as demonstrated by the retired and retiring senior officers.”

“He noted that the Federal Government will continue to do all within its reach to improve the well-being of serving and retired personnel.”

Badaru also commended the retired and retiring officers of the Nigerian Army for their sacrifices and steadfast commitment to the nation’s stability.

He assured them of the prompt payment of their pensions.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, the National Assembly, and the Defense Minister for their unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.

He reaffirmed the undivided loyalty of the NA to the President and the nation in fulfilling its constitutional duties to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

Lagbaja advised the retired senior officers to acknowledge God and the Nigerian Army for their successful journey in the noble profession of arms, reaching the point of honorable disengagement from active service.