Lamidi Adeosun, general on same rank as army chief, retires

Lamidi Adeosun, a lieutenant-general, has retired from the Nigerian army. 

Adeosun ended his service to the military on Friday in a pulling out parade held at the infantry corps centre in Jaji Military Cantonment.

In 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari had promoted Adeosun to a lieutenant-general, the same rank as Tukur Buratai, the then chief of army staff.

It was the first time in this democratic dispensation that the Nigerian army will have two lieutenant-generals.

There were speculations then that Adeosun was going to replace Buratai, who had at the time spent over 35 years in service.

Adeosun, who had served as chief of training and operations at army headquarters, was expected to have retired after Buhari changed service chiefs in January — but he remained in service with the new chiefs.

About 11 other generals of the infantry corps were also retired alongside Adeosun.

MD Abubakar, I Birigeni, CM Abraham, ACC Agundu, TOB Ademola, AM Jalingo, AS Maikobi, MA Bashirudeen, DM Onoyiveta were among generals who retired.

Adeosun, who spoke on behalf of the retired generals, said the pulling out parade was part of military tradition.

“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.

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