Tinubu leads Nigerians to observe 2026 Armed Forces Celebration, Remembrance Day

…reaffirms commitment to welfare, dignity of Armed Forces

…as Shettima represents President at Abuja ceremony

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday led Nigerians to observe the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), honouring officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.

The President was represented at the national ceremony by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who led dignitaries to lay wreaths at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier at the National Arcade.

In his message to mark the day, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of the Armed Forces, assuring serving personnel that Nigeria stands firmly behind those who defend its sovereignty.

The message was posted on the President’s verified X handle, @officialABAT.

“As President and Commander in Chief, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and dignity of our Armed Forces. A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it. We will continue to support them in action,” the President said.

The President noted that the annual commemoration provided an opportunity for the nation to pause and honour the memory of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who paid the ultimate price in the service of the country.

“We remember the brave men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces who sacrificed everything for our country. Their names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace,” he said, adding that a nation that forgets its fallen heroes risks losing its sense of direction.

President Tinubu also paid tribute to the families of fallen service members, acknowledging the deep pain borne by widows, children and loved ones left behind.

“Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones. They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices,” he said.

While honouring the fallen, the President celebrated serving personnel across all formations, commending their discipline, courage and professionalism in protecting lives and property on land, sea and air, often at great personal cost and far from home.

“From the frontlines to support positions, you carry the heavy responsibility of protecting our people and sovereignty,” Tinubu said.

The AFCRD, organised annually by the Ministry of Defence, honours personnel who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace support operations and internal security engagements, including the ongoing fight against terrorism and other threats to national stability.

Beyond remembrance, the event also celebrates living veterans and mobilises support for the welfare of wounded service members and the families of fallen heroes.

Although Nigeria once observed Remembrance Day on November 11 in line with Commonwealth tradition, January 15 is now marked to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War and to align the remembrance with national realities.

This year’s ceremony took place amid reports of operational gains by the Armed Forces in the North-East and other parts of the country, underscoring the courage and professionalism of troops confronting Nigeria’s security challenges.

At the ceremony, Vice President Shettima was joined by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by his deputy, Benjamin Kalu; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa; Chief of Defense Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; alongside the Service Chiefs, senior military officers, members of the Diplomatic Corps and the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Grace Morenike Henry.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was unavailable, while the Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure, represented the territory and joined other dignitaries in the wreath-laying.

Highlights of the 2026 AFCRD included artillery gun salutes, the firing of volleys, a minute of silence in honour of the fallen and the symbolic release of pigeons to signify peace and national unity.

President Tinubu concluded his message with prayers for the repose of the souls of the fallen, renewed strength for the Armed Forces and God’s continued blessings on Nigeria.

The Nation