Nigeria on Thursday paid solemn tribute to its fallen military heroes as top government officials, military chiefs and members of the diplomatic community gathered in Abuja for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC).
The ceremony, held at the National Arcade, was attended by Kashim Shettima, Vice President, Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Christopher Musa, Minister of Defence and service chiefs and several other dignitaries.
The dignitaries were led in a slow and solemn march by soldiers to the cenotaph, where wreaths were laid in honour of fallen heroes who gave their lives in defence of Nigeria and in pursuit of global peace.
The event featured interdenominational prayers for both the living and the departed members of the Armed Forces, reflecting Nigeria’s religious diversity and unity.
The prayers were led by B. P. Nyam, Director of Chaplain Services (Protestants), Nigerian Army, followed by H. Idris, Director of Air Force Islamic Affairs, and concluded by R. C. Diala, Director of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Nigerian Navy.
Following the prayers, a minute of silence was observed nationwide in honour of the fallen heroes, after which an artillery gun salute was fired, marking a poignant moment of reflection and respect.
The wreath-laying ceremony then commenced at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, beginning with Shettima, who laid the first wreath on behalf of the President and the Federal Government.
He was accompanied by Adebisi Onasanya, Commander of the Guards Brigade.
Next were Akpabio and Kalu, who laid wreaths on behalf of the National Assembly.
Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Chief Justice of Nigeria, followed, representing the judiciary.
The sequence continued with the Minister of Defence, and Abbas Salaheeden, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, who is also the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cameroon, laying wreaths on behalf of the diplomatic community.
The nation’s top security leadership also participated in the ceremony, including the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Inspector General of Police.
Observed annually on 15 January, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration honours Nigerian veterans of the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, and fallen and serving personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces who have contributed to the country’s sovereignty, peacekeeping efforts and national integration.
