Nigeria commemorates Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) on January 15. On this day, the entire country mourns and honors the departure of her heroic troops who gave their life for the betterment of the country.
It is normally a day of national grief, reflection, and remembering that every soldier who died in battle is a national hero who deserves to be revered and respected even after death.
During Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), the President or Vice President places wreaths at Abuja’s National Cenotaph, surrounded by dignitaries, service heads, and diplomats.
The Wreath-Laying Ceremony will be followed by a 21-Gun Salute, which will be fired to commemorate dead soldiers. The Last Post will be sounded, followed by a minute’s silence and a formal procession by Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and legionnaires.
The President or Vice-President will release white pigeons, which represent peace and freedom. Following the release of the white pigeons, interdenominational services and speeches emphasizing national unity, security, and appreciation will be given.
The AFCRD also includes award presentations, humanitarian outreach, and community participation activities. Military members, veterans, and families of dead heroes will be honored and given awards to recognize their sacrifices and contributions.
However, several Nigerian officials, including President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have issued press statements expressing gratitude to the army for their valiant efforts.
Here is a collection of press statements issued by several Nigerian officials in honor of Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).
President Bola Tinubu, while speaking on 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emphasized the importance of national unity and security.
He charged the Nigerian Armed Forces to remain steadful in discipline, loyalty, and unity, describing them as the enduring symbol of Nigeria’s shared strength and guardians of the nation’s democracy.
Tinubu paid tribute to fallen heroes, noting their names are etched not only on monuments but in the hearts of Nigerians.
He announced two nationwide engagement initiatives: the Thank-A-Soldier Electronic Wall and the My Nigerian Hero Campaign, aiming to honor service personnel and veterans.
The President also highlighted his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of military personnel, including enhanced allowances, upgraded barracks, and strengthened healthcare.
He commended the military for their efforts in restoring normalcy to communities and strengthening national stability.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and promote respect, tolerance, and mutual understanding, emphasizing the nation’s diversity as a natural asset.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to equipping and motivating the military, citing security as a central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Defence Minister General Christopher Musa (retd) also warned those supporting the activities of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups terrorising the peace of the country to desist from their unpatriotic acts, as the Federal Government has given the military and security agencies marching orders to wipe them out.
The warning was given at the opening of the ceremonial tee-off of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Golf Tournament at the TYB International Golf Club, Abuja.
The minister, who said the federal government would no longer fold its arms and allow such individuals to continue to carry out the dastardly acts, said, “Those who are still supporting bandits, criminals, insurgents, and terrorists should stop immediately.
“The friend of a thief is a thief. We urge all law-abiding Nigerians to provide timely intelligence.
“As soon as you see something, say something, so the Armed Forces can take swift action. We are always ready to respond.”
The minister described the annual Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance as a period to pay tribute to personnel who have sacrificed their lives, including those who are injured in the line of duty.
He also commended the families of fallen heroes for their resilience.
“As usual, we use this period to celebrate both those who are serving and those who have passed on.
“It is important to honour their sacrifices and to let our troops know that Nigerians stand with them. Together, we will succeed,” he added.
Musa also praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for his unwavering support to personnel and their families.
He appealed to all Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces, stressing that the collective responsibility of security requires vigilance, cooperation, and patriotic commitment from every citizen.
General Olufemi Oluyode, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) paid a moving tribute to Nigeria’s fallen heroes during the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) 2026, describing their sacrifice as immeasurable and eternally honoured.
In his address, Oluyode acknowledged the courage, dedication, and selflessness of service members, who gave their lives in the line of duty, emphasising that the nation owes them a debt of gratitude that cannot be quantified.
He called on both citizens and the mili-tary establishment to remember their legacy, uphold the values they defended, and continue to support the armed forces in safeguarding the country’s peace, security and prosperity.
Oluyode said, “On this solemn and historic occasion of AFCRD 2026, we gather as a nation to honour the extraordinary bravery and sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“This day serves as a poignant reminder of the heavy price paid for the peace and liberty we enjoy today. We pay our deepest respects to our fallen heroes, those valiant souls who laid down their lives to safeguard the unity and sovereignty of our great nation.
“Their ‘today’ was given for our ‘tomorrow’, and their legacy of courage remains etched in the annals of our nation’s history forever. Their devotion to duty was not a mishap but a calling to patriotism; hence, the weight of our gratitude remains incalculable.”
Oluyode also remembered the families of fallen soldiers, acknowledging the strength and resilience they have shown in the face of profound loss.
Former Governor of Anambra State and the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi paid a tribute to Nigeria’s fallen military personnel on Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
He emphasized the nation’s responsibility to uphold peace, hope, and progress.
According to Peter Obi, a soldier’s true resting place is not the grave, but in the hearts and minds of those they protected.
Obi urged Nigerians to reciprocate the sacrifices of their heroes by supporting officers, veterans, and families of fallen heroes.
He also called on the government to prioritize the welfare of military personnel, ensuring access to quality healthcare and education for their families.
Obi concluded with prayers for the heroes, saying, “God bless our fallen heroes, and may their souls continue to rest in eternal honour”.
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar also paid a glowing tribute to fallen soldiers and serving personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces on Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Atiku, while honoring those who made the supreme sacrifice in defense of the nation, praised their courage, discipline, and commitment to national unity and security.
“We honour those who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of our nation, and we salute those who continue to serve with courage, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and unity of our country,” Atiku said.
He also expressed gratitude to serving and retired military personnel for their service and sacrifices.