There were indications yesterday that the Army headquarters had on Friday approved the retirement of 49 top ranking officers, among them Generals and Colonels.

The retirement came two days after the Army promoted 59 top ranking officers.

Sunday Trust learnt that the purge affected 12 Major Generals, 23 Brigadier Generals and 12 Colonels.

A source very close to the Army said yesterday in Abuja that the officers were retired in order to pave way for the newly promoted officers to have space in the army in line with the military tradition.

He did not give the names of the affected officers.

The development, the source said, has shocked many officers as some of them were waiting for their promotion.

However, the affected officers, according to the source, have been notified of the development and the date for the commencement of their retirement.

"You know many factors are considered in promotion and retirement in the military. I believe the Army must have considered so many factors before retiring these officers. It is a phase the Army cannot avoid," the source said.