President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Thursday joined top government officials and military leaders to honour Nigeria’s fallen and serving soldiers at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) ceremony in Abuja.
Observed annually on January 15, the AFCRD commemorates the sacrifices of military personnel in foreign missions and internal security operations.
The 2026 edition began with the parade commander submitting the parade state, followed by Vice President Shettima’s inspection of the Guard of Honour, accompanied by Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya of the Guards Brigade.
A firing party then led dignitaries to the cenotaph for the traditional laying of wreaths. The solemn moment was marked by the sounding of the Last Post and a minute of silence in memory of fallen heroes.
Special prayers were offered by an imam and a chaplain for the repose of the departed and protection of serving personnel.
At about 10:35 a.m., wreaths were laid by Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Defence Minister Gen. Christopher Musa (retd), and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Salaheddine Ibrahima, who is also Cameroon’s High Commissioner.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, led the service chiefs in paying tribute, followed by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and other senior officials.
Three volleys were fired by the firing party, after which the Vice President signed the anniversary register and released pigeons to symbolize peace.
Dignitaries Present
The event drew a wide array of dignitaries, including Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and members of the diplomatic corps.
Speaking to journalists, Defence Minister Gen. Musa (retd) stressed the importance of honouring both fallen and serving personnel.
“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,” he said.
He explained that the commemoration had evolved into a broader celebration.
“It is no longer only the Armed Forces Remembrance Day. Now, we have a week-long programme of activities. 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.”
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