Shettima Leads 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Ceremony In Abuja

Shettima Leads 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Ceremony In Abuja
Fallen heroes, veterans and military families honoured nationwide
Government urges sustained public support for Armed Forces

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday, January 15, led the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day ceremony at the cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, Eagle Square, Abuja.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Shettima represented President Bola Tinubu, who was in the United Arab Emirates attending the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2026.

The annual ceremony, organised by the Ministry of Defence, is held to honour officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation.

Those remembered include personnel who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace support operations, and various internal security engagements across the country.

Special attention was given to troops who lost their lives in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency, which the Federal Government has described as a threat to Nigeria’s corporate existence.

Beyond honouring fallen heroes, the event also celebrates living veterans and serves as a platform to mobilise financial and moral support for their welfare.

The ceremony further provides support for families of deceased service personnel, many of whom continue to bear the burden of sacrifice long after the loss of their loved ones.

Although Armed Forces Remembrance Day is observed globally, Nigeria’s commemoration reflects its unique historical experience. As a Commonwealth member, the country initially marked the event on November 11 to honour victims of the World Wars.

However, January 15 was later adopted to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War, making the observance more reflective of Nigeria’s national history.

The 2026 celebration came amid reported operational gains by the Armed Forces in the North East and other parts of the country.

The occasion also served as an opportunity to acknowledge the courage, professionalism and sacrifices of officers and men confronting Nigeria’s security challenges to ensure peace and stability.

The Federal Government reiterated its appreciation to service personnel and urged citizens, organisations and the private sector to continue supporting the Armed Forces.

According to the government, sustained sup