Nigeria’s Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026 was positioned not just as an act of memory, but as a renewed obligation by the state to properly support, equip and honour those who serve and those who paid the ultimate price.
Zig Diaries Defence
Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Time: 22:40 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria
That message anchored the 2026 AFCRD Regimental Dinner Night hosted by the Armed Forces of Nigeria at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, where military tradition, remembrance and national responsibility converged.
According to a statement by the Honourable Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Gwabin Musa, speaking on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the celebration represents far more than ceremony, it reflects the enduring soul of Nigeria’s military heritage and the nation’s debt to its defenders.
“Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is more than a ceremonial event. It represents the very heartbeat of Nigeria’s military heritage,” the Defence Minister said.
He noted that the occasion provided a moment to honour the courage, resilience and professionalism of serving officers and men, while solemnly remembering fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty.
The Minister acknowledged that Nigerian troops continue to confront complex asymmetric threats under demanding conditions, stressing that the peace and security enjoyed across the country are products of vigilance, sacrifice and unwavering dedication.
“Our fallen officers and soldiers are etched not only on monuments but in the fabric of our national consciousness,” he said.
He paid tribute to the families of fallen personnel, describing them as silent pillars of national sacrifice whose resilience remains a source of inspiration to the country.
Reaffirming government policy direction, the Minister assured serving personnel of the Federal Government’s commitment to improved welfare, logistics and operational capacity, emphasizing that the President remains resolute in ensuring the Armed Forces are adequately equipped, motivated and supported to carry out their constitutional responsibilities.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, described the Regimental Dinner Night as one of the Armed Forces’ most cherished traditions, blending solemn remembrance with fellowship, discipline and pride in the profession of arms.
He commended Nigerian troops for their gallantry and sacrifices across multiple theatres of operation, noting that their professionalism has strengthened civil military relations and restored public confidence in the Armed Forces.
“Our personnel continue to serve with courage and honour, reinforcing trust between the Armed Forces and the Nigerian people,” he said.
General Oluyede also highlighted the critical role of military families, noting that their unwavering support remains central to morale and operational effectiveness.
He further stressed the importance of a whole of society approach to national security, calling for sustained collaboration between the military, other security agencies and local communities in confronting terrorism and threats to democracy.
The Regimental Dinner Night also featured the presentation of medals and awards to deserving senior officers in recognition of exceptional leadership, gallantry, meritorious service and outstanding contributions to national defence.
🏷️ Tags: AFCRD 2026, Armed Forces Celebration, Nigerian Military, Defence Policy, Troops Welfare, Fallen Heroes
#AFCRD2026 #ArmedForcesNigeria #DefencePolicy #FallenHeroes #TroopsWelfare #ZigDiariesDefence
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