The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has officially declared that Thursday, 15 January 2026, will be observed as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) across the nation. This annual event honours the sacrifices of fallen heroes and the resilience of living veterans who served in the Nigerian Civil War and various global peacekeeping missions.
The announcement was made today, Thursday, 8 January , by the Director of Defence Media Operations, emphasizing that the date serves as a dual celebration of Nigeria’s unity and the unwavering commitment of its military personnel.
The choice of January 15 is deeply symbolic in Nigerian history:
The End of Conflict: It marks the formal end of the Nigerian Civil War in 1970, signaling a new era of national reconciliation and peace.
Global Celebration: Unlike other Commonwealth nations that mark “Remembrance Day” on November 11, Nigeria moved its date to January 15 to commemorate the preservation of its own territorial integrity.
2026 Schedule of Events
The DHQ has outlined a week-long series of activities leading up to the grand finale next Thursday:
| Date | Event | Location |
| Friday, Jan 9 | Special Juma’at Prayers | National Mosque, Abuja |
| Sunday, Jan 11 | Inter-Denominational Church Service | National Christian Centre, Abuja |
| Wednesday, Jan 14 | Wreath Laying Rehearsals | National Arcade, Abuja |
| Thursday, Jan 15 | Grand Finale: Wreath Laying Ceremony | National Arcade & State Capitals |
The Presidential Ceremony: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to lead the wreath-laying ceremony at the National Arcade in Abuja, accompanied by the Minister of Defence and the Service Chiefs.
The Emblem Appeal: The public is encouraged to wear the Remembrance Emblem (the Red Poppy), with proceeds from sales going directly to the Nigerian Legion to support veterans and their families.
In the official statement, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, urged Nigerians to look beyond the ceremony and reflect on the current security challenges facing the country.
“This day is not just for those who have passed. It is a day to support the families they left behind and to encourage the brave men and women currently on the frontlines in the fight against insurgency, banditry, and terrorism. Their sacrifice is the reason we remain one nation.” – DHQ Statement.
Support for Veterans
The 2026 celebration comes amid a renewed push by the Federal Government to improve the welfare of retirees. The Ministry of Defence recently announced the harmonization of military pensions, ensuring that older veterans receive parity with more recent retirees, a major theme for this year’s Remembrance Day.
