By; IBRAHIM ADAMU, Kaduna
A farewell ceremony for the pulling out of service of 45 senior artillery officers was held on Friday at Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Kachia Kaduna.
Major General Abubakar Tarfa in a valedictory speech on behalf of other senior officers, urged his colleagues to continue serving their fatherland even in retirement as they had done in the last 35 years while in active service, adding that faithfulness, honesty and loyalty should be watchwords before taking any action that may have consequence on integrity of the nation.
The retired general while expressing optimism in the ability of the military and other sister agencies to overcome the current security challenges faced in some states across the country , enjoined officers and men still in service to give in their best in protecting the territorial integrity of the most populous black nation on Earth.
He urged individuals who would want to make career out of the military to be loyal and obedient to democratic authorities , saying hallmark of a professional soldier lied in his ability to perform in any circumstance and environment.
“The evolving operational and non conventional dynamics by non-state actors has necessitated changes in our general doctrine , trainings and general dispositions to ensure success in our operations aimed at securing the country from external aggression.
“Trust is an invaluable asset and a core value in your assigned duties and responsibilities and above all in your relationship with the civilians whom you must see as your partners in progress and a source of vital information especially at this time that we thrive to rid the country of insurgency and other forms of insecurity,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the Commander in chief of the armed forces , president Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Army staff for giving them the opportunity to serve and leverage to retire after years of service.
He challenged serving personnel to keep the momentum of gallantry and valour in theatres of war to ensure safe , peaceful and secure nation for all.
Also speaking, Maj Gen Abba Muhammad Dikko who was one of the retired senior officers expressed gratitude to God for making it possible to leave the service with all his limbs intact and to the Chief of Army staff for ensuring an ideal and comfortable working environment for personnel to perform their constitutional roles.
While expressing satisfaction in the highly professional army he was leaving behind whose personnel he attested to be highly trained and well equipped , he urged members of the armed forces not to relent in their efforts of ensuring a more peaceful Nigeria.
Seven Major Generals, 11 Brigadier Generals, 18 Colonels and one Lt. Colonel, three Majors and five Captains, making a total of 45 officers were pulled out of service.
