The Federal Government on Friday formally commenced the 2026 Nigerian Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Week, with special Juma’at prayers held simultaneously at the National Mosque in Abuja, central mosques across the 36 states of the federation, and military formations nationwide.
This was contained in a statement by Iheoma-Hart Queeneth, Chief Information Officer, on behalf of the Sub-Committee on Publicity for the Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day on Friday.
The week-long programme, coordinated by the Ministry of Defence, is being observed under the theme “Valour, Sacrifice, and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” chosen to underscore the professionalism, courage and selfless service of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and internal security.
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The statement noted that special prayers were offered for fallen heroes, serving personnel and the peace and unity of Nigeria, while sermons focused on sacrifice, patriotism and national cohesion. Senior government officials, including the President, state governors, service chiefs, top military commanders, veterans and other dignitaries, were expected at various prayer centres across the country.
Bosede Olaniyi, Chairman of the National Planning Committee and Director of the Joint Services Department at the Ministry of Defence, said the activities were designed to blend solemn remembrance with public engagement and national celebration.
According to her, activities will continue on Saturday, January 10, with a nationwide humanitarian outreach and Family and Community Day at major military barracks, including the Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, as well as at the Nigeria Legion Headquarters.
She said that the event, scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m., is aimed at strengthening civil-military relations and supporting families of serving and retired personnel.
“On Sunday, January 11, a special thanksgiving and interdenominational church service will hold at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, alongside services in military and designated churches across the states, starting at 2:00 p.m.
“The programme will resume on Monday, January 12, with a national symposium and lecture series at the National Defence College, Abuja, by 10:00 a.m. The symposium, themed “Securing Nigeria’s Future:
“The Armed Forces and National Development,” is expected to bring together security experts, policymakers, academics and military leaders to examine the evolving role of the Armed Forces in national growth and stability.
“A gala and award night will follow on Tuesday, January 13, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The red-carpet reception is scheduled for 5:00 p.m., while the main event will commence at 6:00 p.m., during which outstanding service personnel and contributors to military service and welfare are expected to be honoured”, she stated.
She also noted that the celebrations will culminate on Thursday, January 15, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day proper, with a national wreath-laying ceremony at the National Arcade in Abuja, as well as simultaneous ceremonies in state capitals across the country, beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Highlights of the day will include wreath-laying by the President, Vice-President, service chiefs and members of the diplomatic corps; a 21-gun salute; the sounding of the Last Post; a national minute of silence; and a ceremonial parade by contingents of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and legionnaires.
The Ministry of Defence said the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Week is intended to honour the courage and sacrifice of Nigeria’s fallen and serving heroes, foster national unity, and reinforce public appreciation of the Armed Forces’ role in maintaining peace, security and stability.
