President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the nation will never forget the sacrifices of officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who gave their lives in defence of the country. He pledged continued support for the welfare, dignity, and operational strength of the military, describing their sacrifices as the foundation of Nigeria’s freedom and peace.
In a message marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance and Celebration Day, Tinubu paid tribute to fallen heroes and serving personnel, noting that a nation that forgets its defenders loses its sense of direction. He extended heartfelt condolences to widows, children, and families of fallen soldiers, acknowledging their profound loss and affirming that their loved ones served Nigeria with honour.
The president also praised serving personnel across land, sea, and air for their courage, discipline, and professionalism, often displayed far from home under difficult conditions. He reaffirmed his commitment, as Commander-in-Chief, to standing firmly behind the Armed Forces and supporting them in action.
At the federal level, the government reiterated its resolve to strengthen the Armed Forces as the military hosted events marking the remembrance day. Defence authorities described the occasion as a moment to honour gallantry, resilience, and professionalism, while remembering those who paid the supreme price in service to the nation.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also honoured fallen heroes, stating that their selflessness and patriotism secured Nigeria’s freedom. He described their sacrifice as a constant reminder that the nation’s liberties are sustained by courage and devotion, adding that both fallen and serving personnel deserve deep gratitude.
Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023, Peter Obi, described the sacrifice of fallen soldiers as a permanent reminder of Nigeria’s duty to promote peace, hope, and progress. He noted that a soldier’s true resting place is in the hearts of the people they protected, urging Nigerians to honour the fallen by building a peaceful and just society.
The African Democratic Congress joined in commemorating the day but criticised President Tinubu’s absence from the national ceremony, arguing that the presence of the Commander-in-Chief carries strong symbolic value, especially amid worsening insecurity. The party stressed that the day demanded visible leadership and national solidarity with troops and their families.
The Peoples Democratic Party prayed that the deaths of fallen soldiers would not be in vain, calling for improved welfare packages and better funding for security agencies. The party urged the government to take stronger steps to restore peace and ensure that the sacrifices of security personnel are honoured with concrete action.
Across the states, governors paid tribute and renewed commitments to security and support for military families. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assured the Armed Forces of unwavering support, emphasising that the sacrifices of fallen heroes would always be remembered. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun pledged continued support for families of deceased soldiers and veterans, describing peace and unity as products of their sacrifice.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde promised to further strengthen the state’s security architecture and support families of fallen security personnel, while Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara ordered the employment of children of fallen servicemen as part of direct welfare support.
In Benue, Governor Hyacinth Alia called for sustained support for military families, urging unity and national cohesion as the strongest lessons from the lives of fallen soldiers. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah stressed the need to learn from Nigeria’s history of conflict to sustain peace and security, while Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago appealed for nationwide support for families of fallen heroes.
The 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day served as a solemn reminder of the price paid for Nigeria’s unity and security, as leaders across political lines and regions reaffirmed their commitment to honouring the fallen and supporting those who continue to defend the nation.
