KADUNA/AWKA — The Nigerian military and state governments have reaffirmed their commitment to honouring the sacrifices of fallen heroes and supporting serving personnel as activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day commenced across the country.
In Kaduna, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, assured that the sacrifices of fallen military personnel would never be forgotten. Wase, who also serves as Commander, Sector 1, Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, gave the assurance on Sunday during an interdenominational church service held in commemoration of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
“We will ensure their families remain part of our military family, honour our veterans, and stand as a bulwark against those who threaten us,” the GOC said.
The service, held at Saint Peter’s Catholic Military Church, Ribadu Cantonment, Kaduna, was organised in recognition of the selfless service of officers and men of the Armed Forces. Maj.-Gen. Wase was represented at the event by the Chief of Staff, 1 Division, Brig.-Gen. Timothy Opurum, who described the service as a significant moment to further acknowledge the sacrifices of troops on the frontline.
Opurum noted that the event also served to reassure the families of fallen heroes that their loved ones were remembered and celebrated by the nation.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, represented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr James Kanyip, said the state government stood with the Armed Forces in appreciating the sacrifices of military personnel, particularly those who paid the supreme price so that others could live in peace.
Also speaking, the representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen. Oladele Arogundade, who is the Commander, Engineering Depot, commended military veterans for their service to the nation and charged serving personnel to remain professional in the discharge of their duties.
In his sermon, the officiating chaplain, Lt.-Col. Martins Awoyinka, emphasised the need for continuous remembrance and prayers for military personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty to ensure peace and security across the country.
Dignitaries at the Kaduna event included the Air Officer Commanding, Air Training Command of the Nigerian Air Force, principal staff officers and formation commanders of the division, heads of paramilitary agencies, members of the Nigerian Legion, as well as representatives of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) and the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association (NAFOWA).
Similarly, in Awka, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, lauded the bravery and sacrifices of Nigerian servicemen and women in preserving national unity, peace and security.
Soludo spoke during a thanksgiving service held to kick off the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day commemoration in the state, where he reaffirmed his administration’s support for the military and paid tribute to the courage and professionalism of the Armed Forces.
He described the remembrance activities as a reminder of the selflessness of fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price for the nation and urged Nigerians to honour their memory by promoting peace, unity and patriotism.
Also speaking at the Awka event, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, described the Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a solemn occasion dedicated to honouring the sacrifices of servicemen and women.
He called on Nigerians to shun selfish interests and embrace the pursuit of the common good for national unity and peace, while offering prayers for the safety of serving personnel and their families.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day, marked annually on January 15, honours members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who fought in the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian civil war, and those who have served or are still serving in peace support operations within and outside the country, celebrating both the fallen and the living heroes who have endured various deprivations in the line of duty.
