By Nkechi Eze
The Federal Government has honoured serving personnel and veterans of the Nigerian Army for gallantry, sacrifice, innovation, exemplary leadership and enduring contributions to national development at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Awards Ceremony held in Abuja.
The honours were conferred during the AFCRD Gala Night at the Banquet Hall of the State House on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, in a ceremony that brought together top government officials, senior military officers, veterans and families of fallen heroes. According to an official statement signed by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the awards were instituted to recognise outstanding service, operational excellence and post-service impact in support of Nigeria’s security and nation-building efforts.
Among the awardees was the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award in recognition of his selfless service and decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres. His citation highlighted sustained command leadership, operational coordination and commitment to the welfare and effectiveness of troops under his command.
Other recipients of the Service and Sacrifice Award were Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, and Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos. Both senior officers were recognised for exceptional operational leadership, professionalism and unwavering dedication to duty in demanding security environments.
In recognition of personal bravery on the battlefield, Brigadier General Musa Uba was honoured with the Gallantry Award for displaying exceptional courage and leading troops from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State. Brigadier General Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for his critical role in repelling repeated terrorist attacks and sustaining operational effectiveness under intense pressure.
Innovation in military operations also featured prominently at the ceremony. Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero was presented with the Innovation Award for developing and deploying a redesigned ballistic gunboat that significantly enhanced operational effectiveness in support of Operation DELTA SAFE, contributing to improved maritime and riverine security operations.
The ceremony also paid solemn tribute to fallen heroes whose sacrifices continue to inspire the nation. Late Colonel B. Umaru was posthumously awarded the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Excellence Award for his outstanding intelligence leadership during Operation HADIN KAI, while late Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award for his gallantry and pivotal role in major counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
In the veterans’ category, former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), was honoured with the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award for the far-reaching reforms and expansion of operational capacity recorded during his tenure from 2015 to 2021, as well as his subsequent diplomatic service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin. Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) received the Sentinel of Freedom Award for his contributions to strategic military communication, peacekeeping operations and sustained advocacy for veterans’ welfare, national security and civic values.
Major General Mohammed Sadiq Aliyu (rtd) was presented with the Phoenix Award for resilience and exceptional leadership, having continued to render distinguished service despite being wounded in action during counter-insurgency operations. Colonel Olubunmi Oyekola (rtd) was honoured with the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for successfully translating military discipline and logistics expertise into a thriving catering and hospitality enterprise, while Colonel Bartholomew Chukwuemeka Ogbonna (rtd) received the Community Champion Award for his commitment to grassroots development, healthcare support, water projects and youth mobilisation for service in the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba was also recognised with the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal in acknowledgement of his 35 years of meritorious service in the Nigerian Army and his sustained post-retirement contributions to community development.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day remains an annual national event dedicated to honouring fallen heroes, recognising the courage and professionalism of serving personnel, and celebrating veterans whose sacrifices continue to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity and national resilience.
