The immediate past chief of army staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has officially pulled out of the Nigerian Army in a parade at Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja on Friday.
As part of military tradition in honouring a retiring chief of army staff, the event involved a march past by soldiers.
In his valedictory speech, Buratai said he had improved the army since his appointment as chief of army staff.
He said: “Today is a day of appreciation and not a stocktaking, but let me put on record that I left the Nigerian Army better than I met it.
“The Nigerian Army under my leadership was able to achieve a great feat in the fight against insurgency in the country. We have been experiencing pockets of threats here and there, but I can confidently say that no part of Nigeria is ceded to any terrorist group or criminals.”
The event also featured the unveiling and launching of his autobiography titled The Legend of Buratai (Volume 2).
While unveiling the book, Magashi said the event was not just a pulling-out but a celebration of the numerous achievements of Buratai as army chief.
He said the book would inspire the younger generation to aim high in life.
In attendance at the ceremony was the Minister of Defence Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi (retd.), federal lawmakers, Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno, the new chief of army staff Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, representatives of other service chiefs and Buratai’s Regular Course mates.
