By Gadia Mercy Adi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday led the nation in commemorating Nigeria’s fallen heroes at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) ceremony held at the National Cenotaph, Eagle Square, Abuja.
The annual ceremony provided a solemn moment of national reflection, honouring officers and men of the Armed Forces who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of Nigeria’s peace, unity and territorial integrity.
President Tinubu, who is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who laid a wreath on behalf of the President in tribute to the fallen heroes.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, NAM, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, AFM, other Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police, also laid wreaths, reaffirming the commitment of the Armed Forces and security agencies to patriotism, selfless service and loyalty to the nation.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials and dignitaries, including the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd); members of the Federal Executive Council, heads of security agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, senior serving and retired officers, as well as members of the Nigerian Legion.
Participants paid tribute to the courage and enduring legacy of Nigeria’s fallen heroes, whose sacrifices continue to inspire national unity, resilience and collective remembrance.