In a grand ceremony celebrating Nigeria's military heroes, the Federal Government has conferred prestigious awards on the Chief of Army Staff and a distinguished group of serving and retired personnel. The event, held in Abuja, recognized exceptional contributions to national security and development.
Top Honours for Leadership and Sacrifice
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, was a prominent recipient, receiving the "Service and Sacrifice Award". The Federal Government honoured him for exemplifying selfless service and providing decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the nation.
The awards were presented during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala Night at the Banquet Hall of the State House on Tuesday, January 14. In total, fourteen individuals from the Nigerian Army were recognized for their gallantry, sacrifice, innovation, exemplary leadership, and post-service contributions.
Recognizing Gallantry and Innovation
Other senior officers receiving the Service and Sacrifice Award included Maj-Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, and Maj.-Gen. Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding of the 81 Division in Lagos. Both were praised for their exceptional operational leadership.
For acts of bravery, Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba received the Gallantry Award for displaying exceptional courage and leading troops from the front in Borno State. Brig.-Gen. Usman Ahmad was honoured with the Mission Success Award for repelling repeated terrorist attacks under intense pressure.
In the field of innovation, Col. Ibrahim Gero earned the Innovation Award for developing a redesigned ballistic gunboat that boosted the effectiveness of Operation Delta Safe. The ceremony also paid solemn tribute to fallen heroes. Late Col. B Umaru received a posthumous Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Excellence Award, while late Lt.-Col. Thomas Alari was honoured with the Fallen Heroes Award for his pivotal role in North-East counter-terrorism operations.
Veterans Celebrated for Continued Service
The awards also highlighted the enduring legacy of retired military personnel. Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), received the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award for his reforms from 2015 to 2021 and his subsequent diplomatic service as Ambassador to Benin Republic.
Other distinguished veterans honoured include:
- Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman (rtd) - Sentinel of Freedom Award for strategic communication and veterans' advocacy.
- Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Aliyu (rtd) - Phoenix Award for resilience and leadership after being wounded in action.
- Col. Olubunmi Oyekola (rtd) - Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for building a successful catering business.
- Col. Bartholomew Ogbonna (rtd) - Community Champion Award for grassroots development and youth mobilisation.
The list concluded with Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba, who received the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for 35 years of meritorious service and continued community development after retirement.
This comprehensive recognition by the Federal Government underscores the multifaceted contributions of the Nigerian Army, from the battlefield to community development, reinforcing the nation's gratitude for service and sacrifice.
