Tinubu, other top officials lead nation in honouring fallen heroes, serving troops at Armed Forces Remembrance Day

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Thursday led top government officials in paying tribute to fallen heroes and celebrating serving members of the Nigerian military at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) ceremony in Abuja.

Observed annually on January 15, the AFCRD commemorates the sacrifices of Nigerian military personnel—both living and deceased—who have served the nation in foreign missions and internal security operations.

The ceremony commenced with the submission of the parade state by the parade commander, followed by an inspection of the Guard of Honour by Vice President Shettima, accompanied by the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya.

A solemn wreath-laying procession then moved to the cenotaph, where the Last Post was sounded in honour of fallen soldiers. Special prayers were offered by an imam and a chaplain for the repose of the departed souls and the protection of serving personnel, after which a minute of silence was observed.

Wreaths were laid at about 10:35 a.m., beginning with the Vice President, followed by the Senate President, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Cameroon, Salaheddine Ibrahima, among others.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, led the service chiefs in laying wreaths, joined by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; and Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Three volleys were fired by the firing party after the wreath-laying, after which Vice President Shettima signed the anniversary register and released pigeons to mark the occasion.

Dignitaries at the event included the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; senior government officials; and members of the diplomatic corps.

Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Musa (retd), stressed the importance of honouring Nigeria’s fallen soldiers, wounded personnel, serving officers and their families.

“It is always important to appreciate those who have made sacrifices—those who lost their lives, their families, those injured, and those still serving,” he said. “Nigerians love them, pray for them, and must continue to support them.”

He noted that the event has evolved into a week-long programme. “It is no longer just Armed Forces Remembrance Day. It is now the Armed Forces Celebration, where we celebrate those who are alive and remember those who have passed on. That makes it more comprehensive.”