Nigeria honours military personnel for gallantry, leadership, innovation and post-service contributions at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration

The Federal Government has conferred a series of honours on serving and retired military personnel in recognition of gallantry, sacrifice, innovation, exemplary leadership and post-service contributions to national development.

Also read: Osimhen Poised to Equal Rashidi Yekini’s Nigeria Goal Record

The awards were presented at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Gala Night, held on Tuesday at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, received the Service and Sacrifice Award for his selfless leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres.

Other recipients included Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, and Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Lagos, recognised for operational leadership and dedication.

Brigadier General Musa Uba was posthumously honoured with the Gallantry Award for exceptional courage during operations in Borno State, while Brigadier General Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for sustaining operational effectiveness under intense pressure.

Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero received the Innovation Award for deploying a redesigned ballistic gunboat in support of Operation DELTA SAFE.

Late Colonel B Umaru and Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari were posthumously recognised for intelligence excellence and gallantry, respectively.

In the veterans’ category, former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd) received the Legacy Award for operational reforms and diplomatic service, while Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) was honoured with the Sentinel of Freedom Award for strategic military communication and veterans’ advocacy.

Other awardees included Major General Mohammed Sadiq Aliyu (rtd), recognised for resilience and leadership despite being wounded in action, Colonel Olubunmi Oyekola (rtd) for entrepreneurial success, and Colonel Bartholomew Chukwuemeka Ogbonna (rtd) for community development initiatives.

Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba received the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for 35 years of meritorious service and post-retirement contributions.

Also read: UN Says 21,807 Refugees Unregistered in Nigeria, Lacking Aid

According to Nigerian Army spokesperson Colonel Apollonia Anele, the AFCRD is an annual event “honouring fallen heroes, recognising serving personnel and celebrating veterans whose courage, professionalism and sacrifice continue to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity and national resilience.”