The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Thursday, January 15, led proceedings marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, Eagle Square, Abuja.
Naijaonpoint reports that Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu, who is currently in the United Arab Emirates attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is an annual event organised by the Ministry of Defence to honour officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.
Those remembered include military personnel who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, various peace support operations, as well as internal security engagements across the country.
Particular attention was paid to troops who have fallen in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency, which the Federal Government has described as a threat to Nigeria’s corporate existence.
Naijaonpoint reports that beyond paying tribute to fallen heroes, the annual ceremony also celebrates living veterans and provides an avenue to mobilise financial and moral support for their welfare.
It also serves as a platform to support the families of deceased service personnel, many of whom continue to bear the burden of their loved ones’ sacrifices long after their deaths.
Although Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed globally, Nigeria’s commemoration reflects its distinct historical experience.
As a member of the Commonwealth, Nigeria initially observed Remembrance Day on November 11, alongside other member states, to honour those who died in the World Wars.
The date, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marks the official end of the First World War in 1918.
However, January 15 was later adopted by Nigeria to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War, making the remembrance more reflective of national realities and history.
The 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day holds added significance, coming amid recorded successes by the Armed Forces in the North-East and other parts of the country.
The occasion provided an opportunity to specially acknowledge the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of officers and men confronting Nigeria’s security challenges to ensure peace and stability across the nation.
The Federal Government reiterated its enduring gratitude to gallant service personnel and urged citizens, organisations and the private sector to support members of the Armed Forces generously.
According to the government, sustained support for the military remains critical to national security and the preservation of peace in the country.