The Federal Government has recognised the exceptional contributions of Nigerian Army personnel, both serving and retired, in a grand ceremony held in the nation's capital. The honours were bestowed during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Gala Night in Abuja, spotlighting acts of bravery, innovation, and lifelong service to Nigeria.
Top Brass and Fallen Heroes Honoured for Sacrifice
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu, was a prominent recipient, receiving the Service and Sacrifice Award. The government cited his selfless service and decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple conflict zones.
He was joined by Major-General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, and Major-General Faruk Mijinyawa, former GOC of 81 Division, who received the same award for exceptional operational command.
The ceremony paid solemn tribute to fallen heroes. Brigadier-General Musa Uba was posthumously given the Gallantry Award for exceptional courage and leading from the front in Borno State. Similarly, late Colonel B. Umaru received the ISR Excellence Award for intelligence leadership in Operation Hadin Kai, and late Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari was honoured with the Fallen Heroes Award for his pivotal role in North-East operations.
Innovation and Mission Success Recognised
Beyond battlefield courage, the awards celebrated ingenuity and resilience under pressure. Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero earned the Innovation Award for designing and deploying a modified ballistic gunboat that boosted the effectiveness of Operation Delta Safe.
For sustaining operational success against overwhelming odds, Brigadier-General Usman Ahmad was presented with the Mission Success Award for repelling repeated terrorist attacks.
Veterans Celebrated for Post-Service Contributions
The event also highlighted the enduring impact of retired military officers on national development. Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), received the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award. The honour acknowledged his reforms and expansion of army capacity from 2015 to 2021, as well as his diplomatic service as Ambassador to Benin Republic.
Other distinguished veterans honoured included:
- Brigadier-General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd): Received the Sentinel of Freedom Award for strategic communication, peacekeeping, and advocacy.
- Major-General Mohammed Sadiq Aliyu (rtd): Awarded the Phoenix Award for resilience and leadership after being wounded in action.
- Colonel Olubunmi Oyekola (rtd): Honoured with the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for building a successful catering business.
- Colonel Bartholomew Chukwuemeka Ogbonna (rtd): Received the Community Champion Award for grassroots development and youth mobilisation.
Additionally, Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba was awarded the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for 35 years of meritorious service and continued community development after retirement.
The 2026 AFCRD awards ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the multifaceted sacrifices made by members of the Nigerian Army, honouring their legacy from the front lines to community service long after their active duty ends.
