The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and other Service Chiefs have reaffirmed the importance of military solidarity, institutional cohesion and inter-service cooperation as members of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 40th Regular Course celebrated their retirement after years of dedicated service to the nation.
The Service Chiefs joined other senior military officers at a retirement Golf Kitty organised by members of the NDA 40th Regular Course in Abuja on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
The Chief of Army Staff was represented at the event by the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General John Lar.
Also in attendance were the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, alongside other top military officers.
Speaking at the gathering, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Chief of the Naval Staff, urged the retiring officers to sustain the relationships and bonds forged during their years of military service.
He stressed the need for continued unity, mutual support and collective commitment to the welfare of members, noting that military brotherhood should remain strong even after retirement from active service.
Oluyede emphasised that enduring professional relationships and strong bonds across the various Services were essential to institutional cohesion and the collective capacity of the Armed Forces to confront evolving national security challenges.
He further underscored the importance of preserving the spirit of cooperation and mutual trust developed during service, describing such relationships as critical to sustaining military unity and effectiveness.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to deserving members in recognition of their contributions, achievements and years of commitment to the country.
Beyond celebrating the successful completion of their military careers, the gathering highlighted the enduring values of loyalty, trust, discipline and cooperation established at the Nigerian Defence Academy.
The retirement ceremony also served as a reminder that the bonds of military brotherhood transcend active service, reinforcing the importance of inter-service solidarity and collective responsibility in advancing Nigeria’s national security interests.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, and other Service Chiefs have reaffirmed the importance of military solidarity, institutional cohesion and inter-service cooperation as members of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 40th Regular Course celebrated their retirement after years of dedicated service to the nation.
The Service Chiefs joined other senior military officers at a retirement Golf Kitty organised by members of the NDA 40th Regular Course in Abuja on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
The Chief of Army Staff was represented at the event by the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, Major General John Lar.
Also in attendance were the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, alongside other top military officers.
Speaking at the gathering, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, represented by the Chief of the Naval Staff, urged the retiring officers to sustain the relationships and bonds forged during their years of military service.
He stressed the need for continued unity, mutual support and collective commitment to the welfare of members, noting that military brotherhood should remain strong even after retirement from active service.
Oluyede emphasised that enduring professional relationships and strong bonds across the various Services were essential to institutional cohesion and the collective capacity of the Armed Forces to confront evolving national security challenges.
He further underscored the importance of preserving the spirit of cooperation and mutual trust developed during service, describing such relationships as critical to sustaining military unity and effectiveness.
The event also featured the presentation of awards to deserving members in recognition of their contributions, achievements and years of commitment to the country.
Beyond celebrating the successful completion of their military careers, the gathering highlighted the enduring values of loyalty, trust, discipline and cooperation established at the Nigerian Defence Academy.
The retirement ceremony also served as a reminder that the bonds of military brotherhood transcend active service, reinforcing the importance of inter-service solidarity and collective responsibility in advancing Nigeria’s national security interests.
