By Kolawole Ojebisi
At least 15 top-ranking officers of the Nigeria Army from the Artillery Corps have bowed out of service.
The primary duty of the Artillery Corps is to deliver heavy firepower support to allied forces positioned at the front lines on the battlefield.
The Nigeria Army announced this development on Sunday in a post on its verified X handle.
According to the post the retired officers consist of 11 Major Generals and four Brigadier Generals.
The post added that the retired generals were pulled out of the service at a ceremony held at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kaduna State.
It reads, “The Nigerian Army formally pulled out 15 retired generals from the Artillery Corps on Saturday, October 19, 2024, during a ceremony at the Nigerian Army School of Artillery in Kachia, Kaduna State. The group of retirees included 11 Major Generals and 4 Brigadier Generals.”
Speaking on behalf of the retired officers during the pulling-out parade, Maj Gen James Myam (retd.) reflected on their long military careers, expressing fulfilment and gratitude.
“He attributed their success to divine grace, acknowledging God’s protection throughout their years of service. He also extended his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, wishing him continued strength and wisdom in his leadership of the NA.
“Looking back, Maj Gen Myam recalled the beginning of their military journeys when they reported to the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna as Officer Cadets.
“He offered advice to the officers still in service, urging them to remain loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government while maintaining vigilance and security consciousness.
“The retired general also expressed gratitude to the families, spouses, friends, instructors, and mentors who supported them throughout their careers. The event was attended by several senior retired and serving military officers, including former Chief of Army Staff, Maj Gen Alwali Kazir (retd),“ the statement added.
This is coming amidst reports that the Chief of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja is sick and receiving treatment abroad.
The Nigeria Army had announced on Saturday evening that Lagbaja was sick and had travelled out of the country to seek medical attention.
The statement from the army added that his absence, however, did not create a vacuum in leadership as another senior officer is holding the fort for Lagbaja.
