Defence Minister Honours Fallen Heroes at Golf Tournament 

As part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to honouring serving personnel and fallen heroes of the Armed Forces, stressing that their sacrifices, including those of the wounded, must never be forgotten.

Speaking during a Golf tournament organised by the Defence Headquarters in Abuja to commemorate the celebration, General Musa said the event was designed to appreciate personnel who are alive, remember those who paid the supreme price, and acknowledge families who continue to bear the burden of sacrifice.

He noted that the period provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the selfless service of the Armed Forces to the nation.

The Defence Minister explained that the Golf tournament aligns with the military’s emphasis on healthy living, physical fitness and sportsmanship.

According to him, “The event also serves as a platform for social interaction, partnership and the strengthening of esprit de corps among personnel and stakeholders, all of which contribute to operational effectiveness.”

General Musa assured Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has consistently supported and encouraged the military, providing the necessary mandate and backing to ensure peace and security across the country.

He urged citizens to stop supporting bandits, terrorists and other criminal elements, warning that anyone found aiding them would be treated as part of the criminal network.

He further called on law-abiding Nigerians to promptly provide credible intelligence to security agencies, emphasising that security is a collective responsibility.

While commending the Chief of Defence Staff for organising the event, General Musa expressed pride in the performance of the Armed Forces, thanked Nigerians for their prayers and support, and appealed for sustained cooperation as the military continues its efforts to secure the nation.

In the same vein, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, applauded Nigerians for their sustained support to the Armed Forces, describing security as a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all citizens.

The Defence Chief urged Nigerians to continue standing with the military, stressing that national safety can only be achieved when the public fully understands and supports the role of the Armed Forces in safeguarding the country.

General Oluyede acknowledged the contributions already made by Nigerians, noting that while the support so far has been encouraging, greater cooperation is still needed for the Armed Forces to effectively achieve the mandate entrusted to them.

According to him, enhanced public support, especially through timely information sharing and cooperation with security agencies, will significantly strengthen ongoing efforts to make Nigeria safer.

The Defence Chief also expressed deep appreciation to members of the Armed Forces for their courage and sacrifices, describing their duty as a selfless service that often comes at great personal risk.

He assured personnel that the military leadership remains committed to improving their welfare and operational conditions, emphasizing that every opportunity is taken to recognise their sacrifices and to work towards making their service and lives better.

Earlier, the Captain of the International Golf Club, Brigadier General Nichols Achinze, said the tournament was one of several activities lined up to mark this year’s Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance, noting that the golfing community was honoured to be included among the events.

Brigadier General Achinze described the competition as a meaningful way to contribute to the celebration while promoting camaraderie and unity among participants.

He disclosed that the tournament kicked off at 6:30 a.m. with over 100 golfers already on the course.

He explained that, “The ceremonial tee-off by the Special Guest of Honour was a symbolic gesture to officially commence the games, adding that each round would last a minimum of four hours and would conclude with an awards presentation later in the evening.”