Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has called on Nigerians to continue to support the Nigerian Army and the families of soldiers who died while defending the country.
The governor made the call during the 2026 Armed Forces and Remembrance Day and wreath-laying ceremony held in Minna, the state capital.
Governor Bago said members of the Armed Forces have made great sacrifices to protect Nigeria’s security and unity.
He noted that many soldiers lost their lives, while some others were injured in the line of duty.
He described the event as a reminder to all Nigerians to care for the families left behind by the fallen heroes.
“This is a call to everyone in Nigeria to support the families of our fallen heroes. As a government and as individuals, we must continue to support them and take care of their children,” he said.
The high point of the ceremony was the laying of wreaths by the governor and other top government and security officials.
Those who laid wreaths included the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji; the Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Ibrahim AbdulMalik; and the Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers and Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar.
Others were commanders of different military formations, the Commissioner of Police, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion in the state, Veteran Awo Babangida Garba, and a representative of the widows of the fallen heroes.
Pigeons were released to symbolise peace in the state and the country. There were also gun salutes, inspection of the guard of honour, and prayers for the souls of the fallen heroes.