The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio attended proceedings marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, AFCRD, at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier in Eagle Square, Abuja.
The AFCRD is an annual event organised to honour fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
The ceremony was attended by Vice-President, Shettima, Senate President, Akpabio, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Service Chiefs and members of the diplomatic corps among others.
The remembrance day include personnel who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace support operations, and various internal security engagements, particularly the ongoing fight against terrorism that threatens Nigeria’s corporate existence.
Beyond remembrance, the event also celebrates living veterans and serves as a platform to solicit financial and moral support for their welfare, as well as for the families of fallen service members.
While the AFCRD is observed globally, Nigeria’s commemoration reflects its unique historical experience. January 15 is adopted to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War and to reflect national realities.
The 2026 AFCRD holds special significance, coinciding with recorded successes by the Armed Forces in the Northeast and other parts of the country. It is, therefore, an occasion to specially acknowledge the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of officers and men confronting Nigeria’s security challenges so that citizens may live in peace.
The Federal Government reiterated its enduring gratitude to these gallant Nigerians and called on citizens, organisations, and the private sector to support service personnel generously, especially the wounded and the families left behind by fallen heroes, during the remembrance period and beyond.
