The Federal Government has conferred prestigious honours on senior officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, celebrating gallantry, innovation, and the ultimate sacrifice in a high-profile ceremony marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
The Gala and Award Nite, held on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, in Abuja, served as a powerful reminder of the human cost of national security. Leading the roll call of awardees was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who was decorated with the Service and Sacrifice Award for his decisive leadership in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations across Nigeria.
The event, reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), featured a blend of serving commanders and retired icons who have shaped Nigeria’s military history.
Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd): The former COAS and Ambassador received the Legacy Award (Service and Sacrifice category) for his extensive reforms and expansion of the Army’s operational capacity during his tenure.
Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar: The Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, was honoured for his steadfastness in the North-East.
Maj.-Gen. Faruk Mijinyawa: Former GOC, 81 Division, Lagos, was recognised for his contributions to internal security.
The awards highlighted extraordinary bravery under fire, particularly in the volatile North-East and Niger Delta regions.
| Recipient | Award | Citation |
| Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba | Gallantry Award | Exceptional courage in leading troops from the front in Borno. |
| Brig.-Gen. Usman Ahmad | Mission Success Award | Foiling repeated terrorist attacks under intense pressure. |
| Col. Ibrahim Mohammed-Gero | Innovation Award | Developing a redesigned ballistic gunboat for Operation DELTA SAFE. |
| Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Aliyu (Rtd) | Phoenix Award | Continuing to serve in senior roles despite being wounded in action. |
The night took a somber turn as the nation paid its respects to those who paid the supreme price for Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Late Col. B. Umaru: Posthumously awarded the ISR Excellence Award for his critical intelligence contributions to Operation HADIN KAI.
Late Lt Col Thomas Ebisingha-Alari: Received the Fallen Heroes Award for his gallantry in counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman (Rtd): The former Army spokesperson received the Sentinel of Freedom Award for his advocacy for veterans’ welfare and strategic communication.
Addressing the audience, the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd), noted that the awards represent stories of “quiet sacrifice” carried out away from public attention. He specifically lauded the spouses of fallen heroes for bearing the “silent burden” of their partners’ service.
In a vote of thanks, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd) expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for instituting the awards. He described the initiative as “historic,” noting that it bridges the gap between serving personnel, veterans, and the memories of the fallen.
“This solidarity remains the strength of the Armed Forces. We thank Nigerians for their continued support of the military and the families of our fallen heroes.” – Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd).
