The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian Armed Forces as Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima led activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) at the Cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, Eagle Square, Abuja.
VP Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was absent from the ceremony due to his participation in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 in the United Arab Emirates.
Organised annually by the Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day honoured officers and men who paid the supreme price in the defence of Nigeria. The commemoration recognised personnel who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, various peacekeeping missions, and ongoing internal security operations, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
Beyond honouring fallen heroes, the event celebrated living veterans and serves as a platform to mobilise moral and financial support for wounded service members and the families of deceased personnel.
Speaking through the Ministry of Defence, the Federal Government expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces for their bravery and professionalism, noting that their sacrifices continue to guarantee peace and stability across the country.
“We honour the bravery and selflessness of our Armed Forces. Their sacrifices allow Nigerians to live in peace. It is our collective duty to support them and their families,” the ministry stated.
Nigeria observed Armed Forces Remembrance Day on January 15, marking the end of the Nigerian Civil War, after previously aligning with the Commonwealth tradition of November 11.
The 2026 ceremony was coming amid recorded operational gains by the Armed Forces in the North-East and other regions, underscoring the courage and resilience of troops confronting the nation’s security challenges.
The Federal Government further urged citizens, organisations, and the private sector to continue supporting the Armed Forces, particularly wounded personnel and families of fallen heroes, both during the remembrance period and beyond.
