The Nigerian Army on Friday pulled out 29 Generals of the Infantry Corps who retired from active military service.
Out of the 29 retired infantry officers pulled out of active service at the Jaji Military Cantonment in Kaduna State, 19 were Major Generals and 10 were Brigadiers General.
Leading the pack was Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, who spoke on behalf of the retirees.
Ezugwu encouraged their successors to not only sustain the modest strategic, operational and tactical achievements made but also to surpass them.
”The frontline is expanding and the Nigerian Army is becoming increasingly committed with the eyes of the nation and the world on it.
”Our Infantry Corps must therefore not relent or rest on her oars as the entire Nigerian Army depends largely on the Infantry Corps to achieve its core mandate and mission.
”I admonish the Infantry that as the threats to Nigeria’s sovereignty are becoming asymmetric in time and space, you must be proactively way ahead of our adversaries in all aspects of the unfolding combat scenarios,” he added.
Ezugwu also called on the Infantry Corps to review some of its tactical and operational strategies in the areas of night fighting capabilities, and frontline intelligence gathering on enemy activities.
He further advised the corps to strengthen basic field crafts training in the areas of aggressive fighting patrols to dominate at least a 5 km radius of their locations, Ambushes, listening and observation posts as well as all levels of battle drills.
Ezugwu advocated for employment of modern technology and ICT enablers, and deliberate efforts to develop the leadership skills of junior commanders.
“Be rest assured that my colleagues and I will be glad and willing to avail the Infantry Corps of our time, energy and resources until our last breath on earth,” he added.
He announced the donation of 200 books and encyclopedias to the Infantry Corps Centre and Nigerian Army School of Infantry libraries to promote training, reading culture, mentorship and capacity development of officers and soldiers.
“We are also availing the infantry corps the sum of N1 million to purchase more Corps-related books.
“This is our modest way to encourage the edification of younger infantry officers and soldiers to inspire and motivate them to reach their full potential as they grow in service,” Ezugwu said.
He described a military career as the most priceless, honourable and sacrificial call to duty globally, and thanked God for allowing them to end their careers alive after serving the nation for between 30 -38 years.
The general described the day as full of emotional feelings, nostalgic memories, wholesome gratitude, unending joy and unwavering fulfilment.
“For every service personnel, retirement from active service remains a natural and inevitable end which begins to count from the day we passed out from NDA as officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
”Our joy and that of our families, colleagues and friends gathered here today knows no bounds as we take a final bow from the Infantry Corps.
“On behalf of my retired colleague Generals, I most respectfully and dutifully appreciate the incumbent Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja for organising this benefitting and memorable pulling out parade in our honour,” he added.
He also appreciated the Commander Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for mobilising the entire Infantry family including veterans and other luminaries in the Infantry Corps to honour them.
”As I stand on this podium and look around this Parade Ground, I am moved with hysterical feeling of excitement considering the mammoth turnout of the infantry family.
”Host and neighbouring communities of Jaji, Labar, Wusono, Railway, Birnin Yero, Angwan Loya, and other parts of Zazzau Emirate, led by our revered Emir, to celebrate our retirement.”
NAN