The Federal Government has recognised the service and achievements of Nigerian Army personnel and veterans at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala Night held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, received the Service and Sacrifice Award for his leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres.
Other serving officers honoured included Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar and Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, who also received the Service and Sacrifice Award, Brigadier General Musa Uba, posthumously awarded the Gallantry Award, and Brigadier General Usman Ahmad, recognised with the Mission Success Award for operational excellence.
Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero received the Innovation Award for enhancing operational capability through a redesigned ballistic gunboat.
The Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award went posthumously to Late Colonel B. Umaru, while Late Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari was honoured with the Fallen Heroes Award for bravery in North-East operations.
Veterans recognised included Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd) with the Legacy Award, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) with the Sentinel of Freedom Award, and Major General Mohammed Sadiq Aliyu (rtd) with the Phoenix Award.
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Others honoured for community development, entrepreneurship, and sustained service included Colonel Olubunmi Oyekola (rtd), Colonel Bartholomew Chukwuemeka Ogbonna (rtd), and Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba.
The gala was part of a week-long observance that began with special Juma’at prayers and will conclude with the national wreath-laying ceremony on Thursday, January 15, 2026, marking the formal Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
The week-long celebrations highlighted the dedication of active-duty personnel, honoured veterans, and paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.