By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Contingent 3 (NIGCON 3) of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has commemorated the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in the mission area, combining the solemn national observance with a United Nations Medal Parade in honour of outstanding service by Nigerian peacekeepers.
The ceremony, held on January 15, 2026 at the Rubb Hall, Force Headquarters Base Camp in Abyei, brought together military personnel, UN officials, traditional authorities and members of the host community in a colourful yet reflective event celebrating sacrifice, service and international peacekeeping.
In an official statement signed by the Administrative Officer of Nigerian Contingent 3, Captain Ahmed Zainab Abubakar, the event was described as a dual-purpose ceremony organised to celebrate the Armed Forces of Nigeria and to honour the gallant servicemen and women who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation, while also recognising the dedication, professionalism and exemplary performance of officers and soldiers of NIGCON 3 in the discharge of their mandate under UNISFA.
Activities marking the celebration had commenced earlier with a Juma’at prayer held at the UNISFA Mosque on January 9, 2026, followed by a combined interdenominational church service at the Nigerian Camp on January 11, 2026. These solemn observances were dedicated to prayers for fallen heroes and for the continued peace, safety and success of Nigerian personnel deployed across various operational theatres, including international peacekeeping missions.
The main ceremony was graced by the Officer-in-Charge and Acting Head of Mission/Force Commander of UNISFA, Brigadier General Umrani Ameer Muhammad, who served as the Special Guest of Honour and reviewing officer. Also in attendance were the Chief of Mission Support, Ms Chinyere Odenigbo, the Representative of the Chief Administrator of Abyei, the Paramount Ruler of Abyei, senior national monitors from Sudan and South Sudan, contingent commanders, staff officers and military observers. Members of other national contingents and the Abyei host community were equally present.
In his opening remarks, the Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mukaila Zakari Dikko, described the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as a deeply symbolic occasion that calls for sober reflection on the sacrifices of fallen heroes and a renewed commitment to the enduring values of duty, loyalty and selfless service. He highlighted the critical responsibility of Nigerian Contingent 3 as the Base Defence Company tasked with the security and protection of the UNISFA Force Headquarters, noting that the contingent continues to discharge this mandate with professionalism, discipline and unwavering dedication.
One of the major highlights of the ceremony was the wreath-laying ritual, a symbolic act of honour and remembrance for departed heroes. Wreaths were laid by the Special Guest of Honour, the Chief of Mission Support, the Paramount Ruler of Abyei, the Contingent Commander, and representatives of the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force. Other activities during the event included the inspection of guards, the signing of the event register and the presentation of a souvenir to the Special Guest of Honour.
The ceremony also featured the United Nations Medal Parade, during which officers and soldiers of Nigerian Contingent 3, staff officers and military observers were decorated with the UN Medal in recognition of their meritorious service, professionalism and valuable contributions towards the achievement of the UNISFA mandate.
Delivering the keynote address, Brigadier General Umrani Ameer Muhammad commended Nigerian Contingent 3 for its high level of professionalism, operational effectiveness and strong civil-military relations within the mission area. He urged all peacekeepers to remain steadfast in upholding the ideals of the United Nations and in the collective pursuit of sustainable peace and security.
The combined Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day and UN Medal Parade reaffirmed Nigeria’s enduring commitment to global peace and security, while celebrating the timeless values of sacrifice, honour, courage and service that continue to define the Armed Forces of Nigeria at home and abroad.
