The Federal Government has reinforced its message that gallantry, innovation and long-term national service will be formally recognised, as senior serving officers and veterans of the Nigerian Army received honours at the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) 2026 Awards Ceremony.
Zig Diaries Defence
Date: Wednesday, 14 January 2026
Time: 13:10 WAT
Location: 📍 Abuja, Nigeria
The honours were presented at the AFCRD 2026 Gala Night held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s annual remembrance of fallen heroes and recognition of exceptional military service.
According to a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the awards reflected contributions ranging from frontline combat leadership and innovation to post-service national development and community impact.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, received the Service and Sacrifice Award for what the Army described as decisive leadership, selfless service and sustained command direction in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres.
Other recipients of the Service and Sacrifice Award were the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, and former General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos, Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, in recognition of exceptional operational leadership and dedication to duty.
Brigadier General Musa Uba received the Gallantry Award for leading troops from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, while Brigadier General Usman Ahmad was honoured with the Mission Success Award for his role in repelling repeated terrorist attacks and sustaining operational effectiveness under intense pressure.
In the innovation category, Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero received the Innovation Award for developing and deploying a redesigned ballistic gunboat that significantly enhanced operational effectiveness in support of Operation DELTA SAFE.
Posthumous honours were also presented. Late Colonel B Umaru received the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award for his intelligence leadership during Operation HADIN KAI, while late Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari was honoured with the Fallen Heroes Award for gallantry and pivotal roles in major counter-terrorism operations in the North East.
In the veterans category, former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), received the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award for reforms that expanded operational capacity between 2015 and 2021 and for his subsequent diplomatic service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) was honoured with the Sentinel of Freedom Award for contributions to strategic military communication, peacekeeping and sustained advocacy for veterans’ welfare, national security and civic values.
Major General Mohammed Sadiq Aliyu (rtd) received the Phoenix Award for resilience and leadership, having continued distinguished service despite being wounded in action during counter-insurgency operations.
Colonel Olubunmi Oyekola (rtd) was recognised with the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for translating military discipline and logistics expertise into a successful catering and hospitality enterprise, while Colonel Bartholomew Chukwuemeka Ogbonna (rtd) received the Community Champion Award for grassroots development initiatives spanning healthcare, water projects and youth mobilisation for service in the Armed Forces.
Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba was also awarded the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for 35 years of meritorious service in the Nigerian Army and sustained post-retirement community development efforts.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day remains Nigeria’s annual platform for honouring fallen heroes, recognising serving personnel and celebrating veterans whose professionalism and sacrifice continue to safeguard national sovereignty and resilience.
🏷️ Tags: AFCRD 2026, Nigerian Army, Chief of Army Staff, Military Honours, Veterans, National Security, Defence Awards
#AFCRD #NigerianArmy #NationalSecurity #MilitaryHonours #ZigDiariesDefence
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