The Nigerian military held a Pulling Out Parade in honor of the immediate past Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a change of leadership of the armed forces.

On June 19, the Nigerian leader appointed new service chiefs, which led to the immediate retirement of the former top officers from the service of the armed forces.

The president appointed Major General Christopher Musa as General Irabor’s successor.

The Pulling Out Parade is a traditional military event held to commemorate officers’ retirement from service and typically consists of a parade review by the retiring senior officer.

The ceremony also includes a troop march past and the retirement of an officer by top generals.

The former CDS expressed his gratitude for a happy ending after 37 years of immaculate service to the nation.

The former military chief served as the Chief of Defence Staff for the past 29 months.

He indicated that ensuring national security in a diversified country like Nigeria is a difficult challenge, NAN reported.

“In 2021, the nation’s security situation was admittedly in a state of dynamic flux.

“Efforts made by the Federal Government of Nigeria using the armed forces in collaboration with the police, other security agencies, and critical stakeholders were in different stages of gestation.

“We were encouraged to pursue these measures in addition to other initiatives to reinvigorate the national security architecture to deliver critical national security functions.

“I make bold to say that I’m leaving the armed forces of Nigeria today, bigger, stronger, and more capable to deliver on its constitutional mandate and national security functions,” he said.

The Pulling Out Parade was attended by the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defense, Ibrahim Kana.

Also in attendance were former defense chiefs, including Ibrahim Ogohi, Marshal Oluseyi Petirin, Alexander Ogomudia, Martin Luther Agwai, and Gabriel Olonisakin.

Others at the event were the immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Faruk Yahaya, a lieutenant general, the current Chief of Defense Staff, Mr. Musa, and the three services’ chiefs.