Nigeria on Thursday paid tribute to its fallen military heroes, as top government officials, military chiefs and members of the diplomatic community gathered in Abuja for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations (AFRDC).
The ceremony held at the National Arcade was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, Defense Minister and Chief of Service Christopher Musa and several other dignitaries.
The dignitaries were led by soldiers in a slow and solemn march to the mausoleum, where wreaths were laid in honor of the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in the defense of Nigeria and the pursuit of global peace.
The event featured inter-communal prayers for both living and deceased members of the armed forces, reflecting the religious diversity and unity of Nigeria.
The prayers were led by BP Nyam, Director of Chaplain Services (Protestant), Nigerian Army, followed by Director of Air Force Islamic Affairs, H. Idris and concluded by Director of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Nigerian Navy, RC Diala.
After the prayers, a minute's silence was observed across the country in honor of the fallen heroes, followed by an artillery salute, which was a poignant moment of reflection and respect.
This was followed by the wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, beginning with Shettima laying the first wreath on behalf of the President and the Federal Government.
He was also accompanied by Guards Brigade Commander Adebisi Onasanya.
This was followed by Akpabio and Kalu, who laid wreaths on behalf of the National Assembly.
Chief Justice of Nigeria Kudirat Kekere-Ekun followed, representing the judiciary.
The ceremony continued with the Minister of Defense and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Abbas Salaheddine, who is also the High Commissioner of the Republic of Cameroon, laying a wreath on behalf of the diplomatic community.
The ceremony was also attended by the country's top security leadership, including the Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Air Staff and Inspector General of Police.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony observed annually on 15 January honors Nigerian veterans of the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War and fallen and serving personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces who have contributed to the country's sovereignty, peacekeeping efforts and national integration.
