The 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with sister security formations and veterans’ groups, on Saturday held an Interdenominational Church Service in Benin City as part of activities marking the Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) 2026.
The solemn service, held on 11 January 2026, brought together personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), the 107 Air Maritime Group of the Nigerian Air Force Base, the Military Hospital, and members of the Nigerian Legion, Edo State Chapter.
The event was organised to honour and remember officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation and in the pursuit of peace and security.
Delivering the sermon, Lieutenant Colonel (Rev) M.S. Dallys explained that the theme of the service was “Celebration of Victory and Remembrance of the Fallen Heroes.” He read from 1 Samuel 17:45–51 and offered prayers for continued victories and operational success of the Armed Forces of Nigeria at home and abroad.
Prayers were also said for the repose of the souls of fallen heroes of the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, as well as personnel who lost their lives during internal security duties and external peacekeeping operations.
The well-attended service featured the Commandant of NASST, Major General A.O. Adegbite, who read the First Lesson, while the Commander, 107 Air Maritime Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore E.V. Onu, read the Second Lesson.
In his remarks, the Commander 4 Brigade, Brigadier General A.O. Balogun, noted that AFCRD 2026 activities in Edo State commenced on Friday, 9 January 2026, with a special Juma’at prayer at the Headquarters 4 Brigade Mosque. He prayed for God’s mercy and eternal rest for fallen heroes, as well as divine protection and blessings for serving, retired, and discharged personnel of the Armed Forces.
The AFCRD remained an annual national event dedicated to celebrating the gallantry of serving personnel and honouring the memory of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.
