By Nkechi Eze
The 2026 Nigerian Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day activities have officially commenced across the country, beginning today, Friday, 9 January 2026, with special Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja, central mosques in the 36 states of the federation, and all military formations nationwide.
The week-long activities are being observed under the theme “Valour, Sacrifice, and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” a theme chosen to highlight the enduring role, professionalism and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the present dispensation.
In an official statement signed by the Chief Officer of the Sub-Committee on Publicity for the Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day, Iheoma-Hart Queeneth, it was disclosed that the programme of events for the celebrations, scheduled to run from 9 to 15 January 2026, was released by the Chairman of the National Planning Committee, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, who is also the Director of the Joint Services Department of the Ministry of Defence.
According to the statement, the opening day featured special Juma’at services where prayers were offered for fallen heroes, serving personnel and national peace, alongside sermons focused on sacrifice, unity and patriotism. Dignitaries, including the President, state governors, Service Chiefs, senior government officials and veterans, are expected to take part in various activities throughout the week.
The celebrations will continue on Saturday, 10 January 2026, with a Humanitarian Outreach and Family and Community Day at major military barracks across the country, including Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, as well as at the Nigeria Legion Headquarters. The event, scheduled for 10:00 a.m., is aimed at strengthening civil-military relations and supporting military families and host communities.
On Sunday, 11 January 2026, a Special Thanksgiving and Interdenominational Church Service will hold at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, and simultaneously at military churches and designated churches across the 36 states, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Activities will resume on Monday, 12 January 2026, with a National Symposium and Lecture Series at the National Defence College, Abuja, starting at 10:00 a.m. The symposium is themed “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development,” and will examine the strategic role of the military in national stability and development.
A Gala and Award Night will follow on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with red carpet activities beginning at 5:00 p.m. and the main event commencing at 6:00 p.m. The event will celebrate gallantry, excellence and outstanding contributions to national defence.
The celebrations will culminate on Thursday, 15 January 2026, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day proper, with a National Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the National Arcade, Abuja, and simultaneously in all state capitals, starting at 8:00 a.m. The ceremony will feature wreath-laying by the President, Vice President, Service Chiefs and members of the Diplomatic Corps, a 21-gun salute, the sounding of the Last Post, a national minute of silence, and a ceremonial parade by personnel of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and Legionnaires.
The Ministry of Defence described the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Week as a period dedicated to celebrating courage, fostering national unity and honouring the sacrifices of Nigeria’s fallen heroes, while showcasing the heroism, professionalism and humanity of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
