By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, has paid glowing tribute to fallen heroes of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, describing their sacrifices as the foundation upon which the nation’s peace, unity and liberty continue to stand, while reaffirming the military’s unyielding resolve to defend the country against all threats.
In a personally signed message to mark the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) 2026, General Oluyede said the occasion remains a solemn and historic moment for the nation to collectively honour the extraordinary bravery, patriotism and selfless service of officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, past and present.
According to the CDS, the day serves as a poignant reminder of the heavy price paid for the peace and freedoms Nigerians enjoy today. He noted that the fallen heroes, who laid down their lives in the line of duty to safeguard Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty, gave their “today” for the nation’s “tomorrow,” leaving behind a legacy of courage that will remain forever etched in the annals of the country’s history. He stressed that their devotion to duty was not accidental but a deliberate calling to patriotism, adding that the depth of the nation’s gratitude to them remains immeasurable.
General Oluyede also paid tribute to the families of the fallen heroes, acknowledging their resilience and strength in the face of profound loss, which he said continues to inspire the nation. While noting that the departed can never be replaced, the CDS assured that the Armed Forces and the nation would never relent in ensuring that their legacies endure and that they remain permanently honoured by posterity.
Turning to troops currently deployed across various theatres of operation, the CDS expressed deep appreciation and commendation for their unwavering dedication to duty, often under the most challenging and perilous conditions. He described their professionalism, loyalty and commitment to Nigeria as exemplary, declaring that as Chief of Defence Staff, he remains immensely proud of their operational output and adherence to the core values of discipline and selfless service.
He further described the battle scars borne by many personnel as silent testimonies to their devotion to duty, valour and unyielding determination to confront those who seek to undermine Nigeria’s freedom and democratic stability. General Oluyede made it clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would give no quarter to adversaries and would never mortgage the nation’s heritage or security, stressing that the ambitions of Nigeria’s enemies would always end in disappointment. He reaffirmed that the Armed Forces would continue to root out all threats to national security, whether local or trans-border.
The CDS reiterated that troop welfare remains a top priority, in line with his Military Strategic Philosophy, which seeks to consolidate the capabilities of the Armed Forces through enhanced jointness, reinforced operational posture, improved welfare and sound administration, under a whole-of-government approach. He said this strategy is aimed at ensuring the Armed Forces maintain their core mandate of guaranteeing Nigeria’s sovereignty and prosperity.
General Oluyede assured that efforts would continue to build a highly professional Armed Forces with a collective mindset to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities, working closely with other security institutions and civil authorities, while drawing from the invaluable lessons and experiences of veterans in addressing evolving security challenges.
He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, for his steadfast leadership, strategic guidance and unwavering support to the military. The CDS assured the President and Nigerians of the Armed Forces’ enduring commitment to defending democratic values and ensuring peace and security across the country.
Special gratitude was also extended to the families of military personnel, whose sacrifices, he said, allow service members to perform their duties with focus and confidence, with particular recognition of spouses who courageously hold the home front while their loved ones serve the nation.
In a final appeal, General Oluyede called on Nigerians to reflect on the significance of the remembrance period by promoting national unity and rejecting divisive rhetoric. He emphasized that Nigeria’s shared destiny is undeniable and that the sacrifices of the military highlight the need to strengthen the nation’s bond as one, indivisible country. He urged Nigerians to wear the remembrance emblem with pride, describing it as a symbol of gratitude to past heroes and the unsung men and women who continue to keep the nation safe.
The CDS concluded by honouring the past, celebrating present achievements and expressing hope for a future defined by enduring peace, stability and prosperity for all Nigerians, while praying for the eternal rest of the nation’s fallen heroes. He ended with a call for divine blessings on the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
