President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly, governors, and other top government officials, on Thursday, honoured fallen and living soldiers at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony in Abuja and across the states.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Nigeria is observed annually to honour the men and women of the Nigerian military who have sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. Specifically, January 15 commemorates the end of the Nigerian Civil War, which officially concluded on January 15, 1970.
In Abuja, the event began with the submission of the parade state by the parade commander, after which Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented the President, inspected the guard of honour, accompanied by the Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig Gen Adebisi Onasanya.
A firing party then led dignitaries to the cenotaph for the laying of wreaths.
The Last Post was sounded in honour of fallen heroes as all present stood in respect.
Special prayers were later offered by an imam and a chaplain for the repose of the souls of the departed and the protection of serving personnel.
This was followed by a minute of silence in honour of the fallen soldiers.
At about 10:35 am, wreaths were laid at the cenotaph, beginning with the Vice President, followed by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; the Minister of Defence, Gen Christopher Musa (retd), Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Cameroon, Salaheddine Ibrahima, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Three volleys were later fired by the firing party after the wreath-laying.
The President, represented by Vice President Shettima, thereafter signed the anniversary register and released pigeons to mark the occasion.
Other dignitaries at the event were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, among others.
Speaking to journalists after the event, Gen Musa (retd) reaffirmed the importance of honouring Nigeria’s fallen soldiers, wounded personnel, serving officers and their families, noting that the nation owed them continued appreciation and support.
He said, “It is always important to appreciate those who have made sacrifices — those who lost their lives, their family members, those who were injured, and those who are still serving.
“It is a comprehensive effort we undertake together to appreciate and encourage them by reminding them that Nigerians love them, Nigerians are praying for them, and that we need to support them.
“If you recall, even the name has been changed. It is no longer only the 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. I think that is very comprehensive.”
The celebration was also observed across the states, with governors and heads of security agencies honouring both fallen and serving heroes.
In Ondo State, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa pledged to support the widows of military men who had lost their lives in active service to the country.
Speaking at the final parade, laying of wreaths and empowerment of widows of the fallen heroes at the Government Cenotaph, Akure, the state capital, he said, “To the widows of our fallen heroes, we recognise the challenges you face and the sacrifices you continue to make.
“We are committed to supporting you and ensuring that you have the resources, opportunities and recognition you deserve.”
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Seun Osamaye, commended the governor for his financial support to widows, noting that the initiative would enhance their livelihoods.
In Cross River State, Governor Bassey Otu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of military veterans, widows and families of fallen heroes.
At the celebration held at the Eleven Eleven Millennium Park, remembrance arcade on Thursday in Calabar, the governor described the event as a solemn reminder of the supreme sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces to keep Nigeria united and peaceful.
Otu, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Odey, said, “The lesson from this ceremony is that we remember our fallen heroes, those who paid the supreme sacrifice for this country to remain one.
“Many people do not fully understand the sacrifices these people made, most of them with their lives. The fact that we can sleep peacefully in this state is because of the hard work and commitment of our military officers.”
The State Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Daniel Ojugbo, described the ceremony as a mark of honour for fallen heroes and a moment of reflection on the challenges faced by veterans and their families.
Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Radda, speaking at the Peoples Square, Katsina, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustain support for the security forces and the welfare of veterans.
Describing the occasion as a solemn moment of reflection, Radda paid glowing tribute to both fallen heroes and living veterans, as well as active-duty personnel, whose commitment, he said, continued to shield the country from internal and external threats.
“In Katsina State, we hold this day with profound reverence. Our soil has known the footsteps of many gallant soldiers, some who returned as heroes, others whose names now grace memorials, and countless more whose sacrifices remain unspoken but never forgotten,” the governor said.
He extended condolences to families of fallen heroes, describing their loss as a collective sorrow and their resilience as a source of inspiration.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of families of deceased soldiers who paid the supreme price in the service of the nation.
Speaking at the special parade and wreath-laying ceremony at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the governor also pledged the continued support of his administration for veterans of the Nigerian Army in recognition of their selfless service to the country.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor said “fallen heroes and war veterans deserved to be honoured because the peace and unity currently enjoyed in the country were products of their patriotism and sacrifice.”
He commended the gallant officers and men of the Nigerian Army, adding that “Your professionalism, discipline and commitment to duty continue to underpin the peace and stability we enjoy in Ogun State and across the country. We do not take your sacrifices for granted.”
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, urged residents to take actions that would promote peace, unity and protect the sovereignty of the Nigerian State.
At the Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day held in Umuahia, the state capital, the governor insisted that violence should have no place in the state and country at large.
He asked citizens to learn from history, particularly the 1966 coup and the civil war.
Otti commended the leadership of the various security He commended agencies in the state for their unyielding resolve to ensure the safety of lives and property in both urban and rural areas, noting that their exceptional courage had improved the social and economic conditions of Abia residents and facilitated the reactivation of previously dormant resources, particularly agricultural lands.
He disclosed that the state remained committed to supporting the welfare of the spouses and children of deceased personnel, providing sustenance for the adults and scholarships for the children to pursue education up to the tertiary level.
The governor also paid respect to five Ghanaian security personnel who died in active service in the state in 2025 and pledged to provide for the welfare of their spouses and children.
In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led other officials in laying of wreaths at the ceremonial tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Cenotaph in Asaba.
Others in attendance were the Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme; Speaker, state House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; Chief Judge, Justice Tessy Diai, service commanders of the Armed Forces and the state Commissioner of Police.
Also in attendance were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu; Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and the Orodje of Okpe, Maj Gen Felix Mujakperuo (retd.) and members of the Nigerian legion, among others.
Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, on Thursday restated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of serving military personnel, veterans and families of fallen heroes.
Speaking at the commemoration held at the Haliru Abdu Stadium, Birnin Kebbi, Idris expressed sympathy to the families of fallen heroes, assuring them that their loved ones “did not die in vain” and that Kebbi State would continue to support them through targeted welfare programmes.
“As a government, we remain fully committed to the welfare of our armed forces, veterans and their families,” he said.
In a show of support, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Tafida, announced a N30m donation on behalf of the state government to the Officers’ Wives Association, Widows Association of Soldiers and Servicemen, with N10m allocated to each group.
The event followed another round of donations a day earlier, in which the Kebbi State Government contributed N50m to the Nigerian Legion, while the governor donated N10m.
Speaking on the celebration, the African Democratic Congress urged leaders to demonstrate responsible, people-centred governance by prioritising the safety and well-being of Nigerians over image management, foreign travels, or political convenience.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern over President Bola Tinubu’s absence on such a solemn occasion, noting that the physical and moral presence of the Commander-in-Chief would be an important symbol of solidarity with the armed forces and their families, especially amid growing insecurity.
“It is therefore deeply troubling that the President of the Federal Republic is absent and unavailable on a day meant to symbolise solidarity with our armed forces and the families who continue to bear the cost of Nigeria’s security failures.
“At a time when Nigerian soldiers are overstretched across multiple fronts, battling insurgency, banditry, and violent crime, leadership cannot be outsourced, postponed, or treated as ceremonial.
“The physical and moral presence of the Commander-in-Chief on this day is not optional; it is a statement of respect, responsibility, and shared sacrifice,” the statement read.
The party said it honoured the fallen heroes, stood with serving personnel and recognised the resilience of military families who continued to pay the ultimate price for the country.
“Remembrance must go beyond wreaths and words. It must be reflected in leadership that shows up, takes responsibility, and places the lives of Nigerians above image management, foreign trips, or political convenience,” the party stated.
The Peoples Democratic Party National Working Committee, led by Tanimu Turaki (SAN), also called on the Federal Government to prioritise improved welfare packages for officers and men of the Armed Forces.
Turaki, in a statement commemorating the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day on Thursday, emphasised that providing sufficient support was essential for sustaining morale and enhancing national security.
He called for the provision of sufficient funding for security agencies to enable them to effectively combat insecurity and ensure the restoration of peace and stability across the nation.
“As our country marks the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, we convey our deepest condolences to the families of members of the Armed Forces who died in active service while executing their mandate of protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country.
“We use this opportunity to demand improved welfare packages for members of the Armed Forces and all members of the security and intelligence community, to help them better discharge their assigned roles.
“We also urge the Federal Government to adequately fund the security agencies to effectively neutralise agents of insecurity and restore peace and security to our country,” the statement read.
The Kogi State PDP chairman, Muhammed Gambo, in a statement on Thursday, saluted the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes and heroines of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
He called on the government at all levels to show up for the families of the fallen heroes.
“As we honour these brave men and women, let us collectively shun tendencies that inflame passions in our polity.
“Let us celebrate our diversity and see the differences as reflected in the rainbow of our colours as sources for strength rather than weakness to be exploited for narrow individual or group’s political, social or economic advantage…
“Today, as we gather all over the nation, let us not forget the families of those who paid the ultimate price, let us give them a reason to feel proud that their husbands, sons and daughters truly died for causes greater than their individual desires,” he stated.
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