President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday led top government officials, military chiefs and other dignitaries in paying tribute to Nigeria’s fallen heroes and honouring serving personnel during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony, SAVANNAH NEWSNOW REPORTS.
The solemn event, held at the National Arcade, Eagle Square, Abuja, featured the traditional laying of wreaths, the sounding of the Last Post and a minute of silence in memory of officers and men of the Armed Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty.
President Tinubu, who laid the first wreath, described the sacrifices of fallen heroes as the foundation of Nigeria’s unity, peace and sovereignty. He commended serving troops for their resilience and dedication in defending the nation against security threats, assuring them of his administration’s continued commitment to improving their welfare, equipment and operational support.
Governor Fubara laid a wreath on behalf of Rivers State, honouring fallen soldiers from the state and reaffirming support for serving personnel and their families.
The Chief of Defence Staff, in his remarks, paid tribute to military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice and acknowledged the bravery of those currently deployed across various theatres of operation. He urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces through cooperation and patriotism.
Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes and for peace and stability in the country. The ceremony also featured military parades and the release of white pigeons, symbolising peace.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed annually on January 15, is dedicated to honouring members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and ongoing internal security operations.
The event ended with renewed calls for national unity, respect for the Armed Forces, and sustained efforts to support veterans, widows and families of fallen service members.