President Bola Tinubu has honoured Nigeria’s fallen heroes and reaffirmed his support for the Armed Forces as the country marked the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day.
In a statement he personally signed and released on Thursday, the President remembered officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation, describing their sacrifice as the bedrock of Nigeria’s freedom and peace.
“Their names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace. A nation that forgets its fallen heroes loses its direction; Nigeria, however, remembers,” Tinubu said.
President Assures Families of Fallen Soldiers
Tinubu also extended his condolences to the families of fallen heroes, acknowledging the pain of their loss and assuring them that the country would always remember the sacrifices of their loved ones.
“I speak today to the families of our fallen heroes — widows, children, and loved ones. Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones. They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices,” he said.
Commitment to Welfare of Serving Personnel
While celebrating members of the Armed Forces still in active service, the President commended their discipline, courage and professionalism across land, sea, and air operations.
“From the frontlines to support positions, on land, sea, and air, you carry the heavy responsibility of protecting our people and sovereignty with discipline, courage, and professionalism, often far from home,” Tinubu said.
READ ALSO:
- NOA Sets Guidelines on Rendition of National Anthem
- Armed Bandits Abduct Niger School Students in Late-night Raid
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to their welfare and dignity.
“As President and Commander-in-Chief, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and dignity of our Armed Forces. A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it. We will continue to support them in action,” he added.
Shettima Represents Tinubu at Abuja Ceremony
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented President Tinubu at the Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day activities held in Abuja on Thursday.
The event was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, and other top government officials.
Wreath-Laying and Prayers for Fallen Heroes
The dignitaries were led in a solemn march by soldiers to the cenotaph, where they laid wreaths in honour of fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.
Special prayers were offered for both the living and the fallen heroes who fought for national integration and global peace.
The prayers were led by the Director of Chaplain Services (Protestant) Army, Colonel Rev. B.P. Nyam; the Director of Air Force Islamic Affairs, Group Captain H. Idris; and the Director of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Navy Captain Very Rev. Fr. R.C. Diala.
A minute of silence was later observed, followed by the firing of artillery guns. The wreath-laying ceremony then took place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed annually on January 15 to honour veterans of the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, and other servicemen and women who served in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
