The Federal Government has conferred national honours on serving personnel and veterans of the Nigerian Army, citing their gallantry, leadership, and continued contributions to national development.
The awards were presented during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Gala Night, at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.
Leading the list of recipients was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award. The government credited Shaibu with providing “decisive leadership” in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.
Other top commanders recognized for operational excellence included Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, and Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, the former General Officer Commanding of the 81 Division. Both received the Service and Sacrifice Award.
Combat and Innovation Honours
The ceremony highlighted individual acts of bravery on the frontlines. Brigadier General Musa Uba received the Gallantry Award for leading troops in Borno State, while Brigadier General Usman Ahmad was granted the Mission Success Award for his role in repelling terrorist attacks.
Technical innovation was also spotlighted. Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero received the Innovation Award for his design and deployment of a redesigned ballistic gunboat, which has reportedly enhanced the effectiveness of Operation DELTA SAFE in the Niger Delta.
Posthumous and Veteran Recognition
The government paid tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The late Colonel B. Umaru was posthumously awarded the ISR Excellence Award for intelligence leadership, while the late Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award for his role in North-East counter-terrorism efforts.
The ceremony also celebrated the transition from military to civilian life. Former COAS Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd) was honoured with the Legacy Award for his 2015–2021 reforms and subsequent diplomatic service. Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (Rtd) received the Sentinel of Freedom Award for his advocacy in military communication and veteran welfare.
Other notable veteran awardees included:
Major General Mohammed Sadiq Aliyu (Rtd): Received the Phoenix Award for continued service after being wounded in action.
Colonel Olubunmi Oyekola (Rtd): Honoured with the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for success in the hospitality sector.
Colonel Bartholomew Chukwuemeka Ogbonna (Rtd): Received the Community Champion Award for grassroots development.
Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba: Awarded the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal following 35 years of meritorious service.
The AFCRD is an annual event intended to honour fallen heroes and recognize the serving and retired personnel safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty.