113 generals retire from Nigerian army

 

The Nigerian army has retired 113 generals from the service.

They were also honoured with certificates to acknowledge "their hard work and dedication during service".

In a statement on Wednesday, the army said one general, one lieutenant general, 67 major generals and 44 brigadier generals, had bowed out of service.

Speaking during the dinner organised in honour of the officers in Abuja, Badaru Abubakar, minister of defence, commended the newly retired and retiring army generals for their "exemplary service and love for the country".

Abubakar said the government will ensure prompt payment of pensions of the retired officers.

He added that the skills acquired and the principles of professionalism upheld will provide them with a beneficial platform as they leave the army.

He assured the retirees that "the federal government will continue to do all within its reach to improve the well-being of serving and retired personnel".

The defence minister called on officers to remain devoted and maintain a culture of supporting Nigeria's democracy.

He added that the commitment of the armed forces to democracy has made the army "a glazing example in West Africa".

Dignitaries at the event included Abdulaziz Yar'Adua, chairman senate committee on army; Lucky Irabor, immediate-past chief of defence staff; Faruk Yahaya, chief of defence intelligence; and representatives of service chiefs and police, among others.