This is the first time in the history of the Nigerian Army that such number of officers who retired between 2014 and 2015 were being pulled out the same time.
At a ceremony held in Abuja, the reviewing officer, Major General Essien Bassey, who was one of the retiring officers, noted that the journey which began for him in 1977 as a cadet at the Nigerian Defence Academy finally came to an end in 2014.
According to him, the journey was not smooth all throughout as there were good times as well as tough times which they all experienced at different periods.
General Bassey, who was the Chief of Policy and Plans at the Army Headquarters, regretted that some of their colleague paid the supreme sacrifice along the line under various circumstances, all in the service of the nation.
He noted that there was no substitute to sound professionalism in the conduct of their duties, no matter its nature or degree of importance.
The former COPP (Army) said that the current security challenges that the Army currently faces come to mind as the retired officers follow the trend of events that affect the military.
Consequently, he added that the Army must carefully document its experiences in the ongoing operations in the North–East with a view to improving on its overall combat efficiency.
He disclosed that it was heartwarming to note that very significant progress has been made in the fight against terrorism, while the Army must sustain the current momentum and put this difficult moment of our national history behind us.
General Bassey charged the military on the need for true professionalism as they must remain loyal and extra vigilant always, as their loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria must remain unshakeable at all times.
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