Armed Forces Remembrance Day: Tinubu, Shettima, top officials honour Nigeria’s fallen soldiers

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday led senior government officials in paying tribute to Nigeria’s military personnel during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony in Abuja.

The ceremony began with the submission of the parade state by the parade commander, after which Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing the President, inspected the guard of honour alongside Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya, Commander of the Guards Brigade.

A firing party then escorted dignitaries to the cenotaph, where the Last Post was sounded and a minute of silence observed in honour of fallen soldiers. Special prayers were offered by an imam and a Christian chaplain for the repose of the departed and for the safety of serving officers.

At 10:35 a.m., the wreath-laying ceremony commenced, beginning with the Vice President. Others who laid wreaths included the Senate President, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd); the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High Commissioner of Cameroon, Salaheddine Ibrahima; the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waheedi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibas Abbas; and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Three volleys were fired by the firing party to mark the occasion.

President Tinubu then signed the anniversary register and released pigeons as a symbol of peace and remembrance.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu; and members of the diplomatic corps.

Speaking after the ceremony, the Minister of Defence emphasised the importance of recognising the sacrifices of soldiers, both fallen and serving, and supporting their families.

“It is vital to honour those who have sacrificed — those who lost their lives, those injured, and those still serving. Nigerians must continue to appreciate, encourage, and support them,” he said.

He noted that the observance has been expanded beyond a single day. “It is no longer just Armed Forces Remembrance Day. It is now a week-long Armed Forces Celebration, where we both celebrate the living and remember those who have passed,” he said.

The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is held annually on January 15 to commemorate the bravery and sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel.