By Nkechi Eze
As part of activities marking the Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) 2026, the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with sister services and veterans’ groups, on Saturday, 11 January 2026, held an interdenominational church service in Benin City, Edo State, to honour fallen heroes and pray for continued peace and security in the nation.
The solemn service brought together personnel of the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), the 107 Air Maritime Group of the Nigerian Air Force Base, the Military Hospital, as well as members of the Nigerian Legion, Edo State Chapter. It was organised to celebrate the bravery of officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the country and in the pursuit of peace at home and abroad.
In an official statement signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, the Army said the church service formed a key component of the AFCRD 2026 activities aimed at honouring the courage, patriotism and selfless service of fallen military personnel.
Delivering the sermon, Lieutenant Colonel (Rev) M. S. Dallys said the theme of the service, “Celebration of Victory and Remembrance of the Fallen Heroes,” underscored the need for gratitude to God for victories recorded by the Armed Forces, while remembering those who laid down their lives for the nation. He took his Bible reading from 1 Samuel 17:45–51 and offered prayers for continued victory and operational success of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in all theatres of operation, both within and outside the country.
The cleric also prayed for the repose of the souls of fallen heroes of the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, as well as personnel who lost their lives in internal security operations and international peacekeeping missions.
The colourful and well-attended service featured the participation of senior military officers, including the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Major General A. O. Adegbite, who read the First Lesson, while the Commander, 107 Air Maritime Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore E. V. Onu, read the Second Lesson.
In his remarks, the Commander 4 Brigade, Brigadier General A. O. Balogun, noted that AFCRD 2026 activities in Edo State commenced on Friday, 9 January 2026, with a special Juma’at prayer at the Headquarters 4 Brigade Mosque. He described the interdenominational church service as a moment of sober reflection and gratitude, calling on officers and men to remain committed to the ideals for which the fallen heroes stood.
Brigadier General Balogun concluded by praying for God’s mercy and eternal rest for the departed heroes, while also seeking divine protection, strength and blessings for serving, retired and discharged personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
