The 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day has been marked across the country, with renewed calls for improved welfare for servicemen and enhanced security nationwide.
The annual event, observed on January 15, honours Nigeria’s military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The event which is observed annually on January 15, commemorates Nigeria’s military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Activities to mark the day traditionally include a 21-gun salute in honour of the fallen heroes, special prayers for the repose of their souls, the release of ceremonial pigeons, and the inspection of parade guards by state governors.
In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia paid tribute to the nation’s fallen and serving heroes as part of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day activities.
The Governor, accompanied by his deputy, senior military officers, and other top government officials, laid wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate the sacrifices of the Armed Forces.
The ceremony, held at the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Square in Makurdi, featured inter-denominational prayers led by Christian and Muslim clerics.
In his remarks, Governor Alia emphasized national unity as the greatest honour to those who laid down their lives in defence of Nigeria’s peace and territorial integrity.
He also commended the Armed Forces for their dedication and sacrifice, while calling for sustained support for the families of fallen and serving personnel.
Anambra State
His erstwhile counterpart in Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, meanwhile commended President Bola Tinubu’s renewed determination and vigour in tackling terrorism and insecurity across Nigeria, expressing confidence that the challenge would be decisively addressed.
Soludo gave the commendation at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony held at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, where he joined senior military officers, security chiefs and government officials in a wreath-laying and parade to honour fallen Nigerian service members.
The governor praised the federal government’s intensified security efforts and improved collaboration among the armed forces and other security agencies.
Soludo also paid tribute to serving and fallen members of the armed forces, paramilitary personnel and veterans, acknowledging their courage, sacrifice and selfless service to the nation. He noted that the remembrance day was not only to honour those who died during the civil war and other conflicts, but also to recognise those who continue to risk their lives to keep Nigeria united, peaceful and prosperous.
Oyo State
A similar event also took place in Oyo State, where Governor Seyi Makinde assured residents that his administration would make further efforts to strengthen the state’s security and ensure all areas are safe.
He made the statement at the Grand Finale and Laying of Wreaths of the 2026 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day celebration, held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Ibadan.
The governor also expressed appreciation to the officers and men of the Armed Forces for securing the state and urged them to continue their efforts.
Governor Makinde commended the efforts of security operatives in sustaining the peace and harmony in the state and across the nation, assuring residents that his administration’s commitment to securing lives would receive further boost so as to ensure the security of lives and property.
He said: “I can only say thank you to the officers and men of the Nigeria Armed Forces. This is a challenging time for us as a nation. We are still dealing with all sorts of security challenges and they have been trying their best.
“We have asked them to do a lot more with very little resources and they have been doing their bit. I want to urge them not to relent.”
Makinde also hinted that plans were afoot to set up a welfare scheme for the families of the five forest guards killed recently at the Oloka Village axis of the old Oyo National Park in the Oriire Local Government Area of the state.
The governor equally assured that his administration will continue to remember and support maimed soldiers, widows, orphans and other dependants of the fallen heroes, because they paid the ultimate price to keep the country safe and secure.
Akwa Ibom State
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, meanwhile paid glowing tributes to fallen officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing their sacrifice as the highest expression of patriotism. He also unveiled expanded welfare initiatives for their widows and families.
The Governor, who made the statement in Uyo, the State capital, during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day commemoration, stressed that their sacrifice was made to secure peace and safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He recalled the loss of senior military officers to terrorism, including Brigadier General Musa Buba, whom he described as “a brilliant and tactically sound officer,” as well as Brigadier General Zama Zakousi, Colonel Dahiru Bako, Colonel Kenneth Elemele, Colonel Abu Ali, and numerous other officers and men of the Armed Forces whose lives were brutally cut short in their prime.
The governor also called for greater respect for serving personnel, urging deeper national introspection, saying Nigerians “must begin to show respect to those who have passed, and even so, to those who are still alive.”
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his handling of national security issues.
The Governor called for inter-religious tolerance and responsible political conduct as political activities intensify.
While reaffirming Akwa Ibom State’s commitment to peace and security, Governor Eno highlighted collaboration with security agencies and plans to operationalise a Command and Control Centre.
On welfare interventions, he disclosed that the state had donated ₦250 million last year to widows of fallen security personnel.
He announced plans to build 150 lock-up stores for widows of fallen military, police, and paramilitary personnel, alongside take-off grants.
He clarified that land for the lock-up stores would be provided by the military and police, while relevant government offices would coordinate and supervise the project to ensure completion within the year.
He also announced a ₦20 million support package for the Nigerian Legion, ₦120 million support for the military and other paramilitary services excluding the police and DSS, ₦10 million for officers on parade, and ₦20 million for wives and widows present at the event.
Governor Eno further called on corporate organisations to support the Armed Forces through corporate social responsibility and concluded with prayers for peace.
Kano State
“In Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining the partnership with the Nigerian Armed Forces to ensure lasting peace and security across the state.
He made the commitment during the laying of wreaths in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the governor also noted the remarkable role the Nigerian Armed Forces have played in the nation’s history.”
According to him, it is only fitting for governments and citizens to continually remember, honour and pray for members of the Armed Forces who sacrificed their comfort and, in many cases, their lives to safeguard the nation.
He stressed that peace remains irreplaceable and can only be sustained through appreciation and support for the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Governor Yusuf assured serving and retired personnel of the Armed Forces, of the state government’s continued support.
Kebbi State
Similarly, in Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of serving and retired members of the Armed Forces and the families of fallen heroes. He stated this at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at the Haliru Abdu Stadium, Birnin Kebbi.
Addressing the gathering at Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration held at the Haliru Abdu Stadium, Birnin Kebbi, Governor Idris described the occasion as a moment for reflection, gratitude and national appreciation for the courage and selflessness of members of the Armed Forces.
“Their sacrifice secured the peace and freedom Nigerians enjoy today”, he remarked.
The Governor expressed sympathy to families of fallen heroes, assuring them that their loved ones did not die in vain and that the government and people of Kebbi State would continue to stand by them through sustained welfare and support programmes.
Governor Idris said his administration has invested heavily in strengthening the state’s security architecture, including the provision of over 100 brand new Hilux vehicles and motorcycles to security agencies, as well as the ongoing training of vigilante groups to enhance their operational effectiveness across the state.
He assured veterans of their inclusion in the state’s development agenda, while saluting serving officers and personnel for their professionalism, courage and dedication to national service.
Governor Idris also urged Nigerians to uphold peace, justice and unity so that the sacrifice of the fallen heroes would continue to yield a stronger and more united nation.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, announced on behalf of the Kebbi State Government a donation of ₦30 million to the Officers’ Wives Association, Widows Association of Soldiers and Servicemen, with ₦10 million allocated to each group.
Also, the Kebbi State Government donated ₦50 million, while Governor Nasir Idris contributed ₦10 million to the Nigerian Legion, in addition to donations by government officials, security agencies and the four Emirates in the state.
Reports from —Aloysius Umalo (Makurdi), Chinwe Onuigbo (Awka), Olubunmi Osoteku (Ibadan), Glory Ohagwu (Abuja), Salihu Ali (Kano) and Binta Aliyu (Kebbi).