It also bestowed honours on serving officers and veterans for their outstanding contributions to national security and development.
The honours were conferred at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day gala night held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, according to a statement signed by Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
“Brigadier General Musa Uba, who lost his life in the line of duty in Borno State, was posthumously given the Gallantry Award in recognition of his exceptional courage and leadership during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, where he was known for leading troops from the front.
“Shaibu received the Service and Sacrifice Award for his selfless service and decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres nationwide,” Anele said.
Other recipients of the Service and Sacrifice Award included the Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Lagos, Major General Faruk Mijinyawa — both recognised for their exceptional operational leadership and dedication to duty.
Brigadier General Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for his critical role in repelling repeated terrorist attacks and sustaining operational effectiveness under intense pressure.
“In the area of innovation, Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero was presented with the Innovation Award for designing and deploying a redesigned ballistic gunboat that significantly enhanced operational effectiveness in support of Operation DELTA SAFE.
“Two officers were also honoured posthumously. Late Colonel B. Umaru received the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Excellence Award for his outstanding intelligence leadership during Operation HADIN KAI, while late Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari was presented with the Fallen Heroes Award for his gallantry and pivotal role in major counter-terrorism operations in the North-East,” she added.
A former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (retd), was honoured with the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award in the veterans’ category for “reforms and the expansion of operational capacity during his tenure from 2015 to 2021,” as well as his subsequent diplomatic service as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Brigadier General Sani Usman (retd) received the Sentinel of Freedom Award for his contributions to strategic military communication, peacekeeping operations and sustained advocacy for veterans’ welfare, national security and civic values. Major General Mohammed Aliyu (retd) was presented with the Phoenix Award for resilience and exceptional leadership, having continued to render distinguished service despite being wounded in action during counter-insurgency operations.
“Other awardees include Colonel Olubunmi Oyekola (retd), who received the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for successfully translating military discipline and logistics expertise into a thriving catering and hospitality enterprise, and Colonel Bartholomew Ogbonna (retd), honoured with the Community Champion Award for his commitment to grassroots development, healthcare support, water projects and youth mobilisation for service in the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
“Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba was also decorated with the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for his 35 years of meritorious service in the Nigerian Army and his sustained post-retirement community development initiatives.
“The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is an annual national event dedicated to honouring fallen heroes, recognising serving personnel and celebrating veterans whose courage, professionalism and sacrifice continue to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity and national resilience,” the statement added.