By Micah Jonah
January 9, 2026
Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Friday led the nation’s military leadership and senior government officials to the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day 2026 Juma’at Service held at the National Mosque in Abuja.
The solemn gathering brought together the Service Chiefs, senior military officers and key government figures for prayers and reflection in honour of Nigeria’s fallen heroes. Among the top military leaders present were the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and a representative of the Chief of Air Staff.
The service featured special prayers and moments of reflection dedicated to officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who lost their lives in the line of duty while defending the country’s territorial integrity.
The annual Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day serves as a national tribute to the bravery, loyalty and sacrifices of past and present personnel of the Armed Forces. It also offers an opportunity to celebrate the professionalism and resilience of serving officers while seeking continued peace, unity and security for the nation.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Abdulazeez Musa Yar’Adua, heads of security agencies,principal staff officers from Defence and Service Headquarters, and other senior government officials, all united in reaffirming national support for the Armed Forces and honouring the nation’s fallen heroes.
