The activities marking the 2026-Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Nigeria culminated on Thursday with the laying of wreaths in honour of the country’s fallen heroes at the National Arcade, Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu who was the Special Guest of Honour at the colourful event, was the first to lay his wreath, as a mark of respect for the nation’s fallen heroes and heroines, who paid the supreme price in defence of the country.
Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the President at the occasion, as the President is out of the country on an official visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Soon after the President laid his wreath, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas (represented by Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu,) followed in quick succession.
Then came the Chief Justice of the Federation, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.
The next set of those who laid their wreaths were the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, Minister of State for Federal Capital Territory, Dr Mariya Mahmood, and the Doyen of the Diplomatic Corps, Cameroun’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Salahuddin Ibrahim.
They were followed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gen Olufemi Oluyede, alongside the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Gen Waidi Shuaibu, Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
They were followed by the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Ms Grace Morenike Henry and Mrs Cynthia Sha, who represented the widows of fallen heroes.
Special Prayers
The event also featured prayers for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes, offered by both Christian and Islamic clerics from the military.
Both clergies prayed for God’s comfort for the families left behind by the officers and men who paid the supreme price as well as the peace and progress of Nigeria.
There was also a special gun salute in honour of those who lost their lives in defence of the nation.
At the end of the annual event, Vice President Kashim Shettima released white pigeons, signifying Hope, Peace and freedom of Nigeria.
Guard of Honour
Earlier on arrival, the representative of the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, took the National salute, signalling the commencement of proceedings.
Significance
The ceremony which is held on January 15 every year symbolises the end of the country’s civil war, which ended on January 15, 1970.
The event is also held each year, to honour and appreciate surviving military men and women who have retired from service, as well as to honour the wives and children of war veterans.
Vice Presidentkashim Shettima, who arrived at the venue of the event at 10:00 am (local time) donning a white native gown, was flanked by security personnel and his personal aides.
Soon after a rendition of the national anthem, he proceeded to inspect the parade, composed of officers and men of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Nigerian Legion.
The event also witnessed the ceremonial revelley and firing of three volleys in honour of the fallen heroes.
Events marking the 2026 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day kick started on December 2, 2025, with the launch of the remembrance emblem by President Bola Tinubu, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
There was also a special Jumma’at prayer at the National Mosque Abuja on Friday January 9, 2026 and an interdenominational church service at the National Christian centre Abuja on Sunday 11th January, 2026, all in honour of the nation’s fallen heroes.