Nigerian army pulls 34 generals out of service

Exactly a week to the inauguration of a new federal government, the Nigerian army has withdrawn 34 infantry generals from service.

The officers comprise 20 majors-general and 14 brigadiers-general, who retired between 2005 and 2015.

In a valedictory service at the Jaji military cantonment in Kaduna state on Friday, Joseph Shoboiki, former director of training at the Nigerian army, expressed appreciation for the gesture and pledged that the retired officers would remain committed to the service of Nigeria.

Shoboiki admonished the serving military personnel to remain focused and resolute, and exhibit total loyalty to the constituted authorities.

“Your loyalty to the federal republic of Nigeria can best be given through vigilance and security consciousness,” he said.

“You must continue to demonstrate total commitment to your duty of defending our dear country. These values are essential if you must continue to uphold and discharge assigned constitutional responsibilities and sustain our nascent democracy.”

He expressed conviction that the military would overcome the current security challenges in the country.

Kenneth Minimah, chief of army staff, was represented at the event by Kenneth Osuji, the general officer commanding(GOC), 1 division of the Nigerian army.

He urged the retired generals to continue to support the military, saying their departure would not create any vacuum as they were not retired on the same date.