VP Shettima leads 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at Eagle Square

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, represented President Bola Tinubu at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) held at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, Eagle Square, Abuja, as the President attends the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026 in the United Arab Emirates.

The AFCRD, an annual initiative organized by the Ministry of Defence, is dedicated to honoring Nigerian military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. This includes those who fell during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping operations, and ongoing internal security engagements, particularly in the fight against terrorism.

Beyond paying tribute to fallen heroes, the event celebrates living veterans and serves as a platform to rally moral and financial support for their welfare as well as for the families of deceased service members.

While Nigeria previously aligned its Remembrance Day with the Commonwealth tradition on November 11 — marking the end of the First World War — January 15 was later adopted to reflect the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil War and the country’s unique historical experience.

The 2026 commemoration is particularly significant, coinciding with recorded successes by the Armed Forces in the North-East and other regions, highlighting the courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of officers and men confronting security challenges to ensure that Nigerians live in peace.

The Federal Government reiterated its gratitude to the country’s gallant soldiers and urged citizens, organisations, and the private sector to continue supporting service personnel, particularly the wounded and families of fallen heroes, during the remembrance period and beyond.

> “We honour the bravery and selflessness of our Armed Forces. Their sacrifices allow Nigerians to live in peace. It is our collective duty to support them and their families,” the statement from the Ministry of Defence read.

The event combined ceremonial tribute with recognition of the Armed Forces’ operational achievements, reinforcing national appreciation for the men and women safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.