Nigeria marked Armed Forces Remembrance Day 2026 on Sunday with nationwide tributes to the military for their steadfast service, courage, and sacrifices in defending the country’s sovereignty, peace, and territorial integrity.
Across the nation, federal and state governments organized interdenominational church services, honouring both fallen and serving soldiers, as well as retired personnel, while reiterating support for their families. The annual observance, held every January 15, commemorates those who lost their lives in the civil war, internal security operations, and international peacekeeping missions.
In Abuja, Senate President Godswill Akpabio paid homage to military personnel who had died in the line of duty, emphasizing that their dedication forms the foundation of Nigeria’s unity and progress. Represented by Deputy Chief Whip Peter Nwebonyi, Akpabio underscored the government’s focus on creating a secure environment conducive to national development. “The sacrifices we honour today reinforce our commitment to a stronger, safer, and more unified Nigeria,” he said.
Defence Minister Gen Christopher Musa (retd.) highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to ensure the armed forces are well-equipped, motivated, and cared for, enabling them to discharge their responsibilities professionally. Musa acknowledged the security challenges facing the country but expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to overcome them.
Read also: Vladimir Putin Attacks UK Leader As Russia Moves Missiles West
In Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji praised the military’s resilience in confronting banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping, stressing that Armed Forces Remembrance Day provides an opportunity to recognise both those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who suffered life-altering injuries in service. Represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Oyebanji called on Nigerians to honour the military not just with words but through actions promoting national unity and patriotism.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, speaking at a service in Akure, described the armed forces as a formidable institution whose dedication preserves the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Represented by Deputy Olayide Adelami, he stressed that fallen servicemen and women deserve lasting recognition for their courage in conflicts, counter-terrorism operations, and peacekeeping missions, safeguarding both present and future generations.
Chaplains and military commanders reinforced the theme of collective responsibility. Pastor Segun Awolumate and Brig Gen J. A. Ifeanyi urged Nigerians to translate remembrance into actions that foster peace, unity, and patriotism, while Maj Gen Ibikunle Ajose reaffirmed the army’s commitment to troop welfare and support for families of the fallen.
The 2026 observance blended reflection on Nigeria’s security challenges with renewed pledges of support for those protecting the nation’s peace and freedom, underlining the enduring importance of military service to the country’s unity and development.