The Special Guest of Honour and Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has paid glowing tribute to serving personnel, veterans, and fallen heroes of the Armed Forces of Nigeria at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Regimental Dinner and Awards Night.
Speaking at the event, Gen Musa described the AFCRD as the heartbeat of Nigeria’s military tradition—an occasion that blends pride in present achievements with deep reverence for past sacrifices. He said the gathering reflected the continuity of the Armed Forces’ legacy, embodied by serving officers, veterans, and the families who stand firmly behind them.
In addition, the Defence Minister commended the current Chief of Defence Staff for exemplary leadership and the seamless organisation of the ceremony. He equally lauded the Service Chiefs for their professionalism, cooperation, and commitment to joint operations and operational effectiveness.
The former Chief of Defence Staff praised the professionalism, courage, and resilience of Nigerian troops operating across the country and beyond its borders, noting that national peace and security are earned through vigilance, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication.
He stressed that the remembrance component of the celebration remains its cornerstone, honouring those who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation and acknowledging the enduring strength of their families.
Gen Musa also congratulated officers and personnel recognised during the awards ceremony, describing the honours as a tangible expression of institutional gratitude for exceptional courage, meritorious service, and steadfast commitment to duty. He urged the awardees to wear their decorations as symbols of inspiration to others.
Gen Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ enduring values of service, sacrifice, and loyalty to Nigeria, stating that the courage of fallen comrades remains forever etched in the nation’s conscience and military history. He prayed for continued strength for the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In his welcome address, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General O.O. Oluyede, reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to defending the nation’s sovereignty and strengthening civil–military relations, as he delivered a welcome address at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Regimental Dinner Night held on Tuesday, 14 January 2026.
The CDS described the occasion as one of the most cherished military traditions, combining solemn remembrance with fellowship, discipline, and pride in the profession of arms. He paid glowing tribute to fallen heroes and serving personnel, noting that the freedom enjoyed by the nation was secured through the sacrifices of brave men and women of the Armed Forces.
General Oluyede commended Nigerian troops for their resilience and courage in confronting security challenges across the country, stating that their professionalism has continued to win the confidence and support of the civil populace. He also acknowledged the critical role of the families of military personnel, whose steadfast support, he said, remains a vital pillar of operational effectiveness
Emphasising that national security cannot be achieved by the military alone, the CDS underscored the importance of a whole-of-society approach to security. He called for sustained collaboration with local communities and sister security agencies in the collective fight against terrorism and other forms of criminality threatening peace and democracy.
The CDS expressed profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his leadership, strategic guidance, and continued support to the military, particularly in the areas of troop welfare and modernisation. He also appreciated the Honourable Minister of Defence and other distinguished guests for honouring the occasion.
General Oluyede concluded by urging personnel to uphold the spirit of remembrance and comradeship, while remaining dedicated to service with honour, professionalism, and selfless devotion. He prayed for God’s blessings on the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
