By Ayo Ayodele
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday led national tributes to Nigeria’s Armed Forces and fallen heroes at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) held at the Cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, National Arcade, Abuja.
Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is currently in the United Arab Emirates attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.
The annual ceremony, organised by the Ministry of Defence, honours officers and men of the Armed Forces who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation. Those remembered include personnel who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace support operations, and internal security engagements, particularly the ongoing fight against terrorism and other security threats.
Beyond honouring the fallen, the AFCRD also celebrates living veterans and serves as a platform to mobilise financial and moral support for their welfare, as well as for the families of deceased service members.
Although Armed Forces Remembrance is observed globally, Nigeria marks the event on January 15 to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War and to reflect the country’s unique historical experience. The date replaced the former November 11 observance, which aligned with Commonwealth Remembrance Day marking the end of the First World War in 1918.
This year’s commemoration comes amid reported operational gains by the Armed Forces in the Northeast and other parts of the country. The ceremony therefore also acknowledged the courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of troops confronting Nigeria’s security challenges.
The Federal Government reiterated its appreciation to the Armed Forces and called on citizens, organisations, and the private sector to continue supporting service personnel, especially the wounded and families of fallen heroes.