The Federal Government has conferred several honours on senior officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in recognition of gallantry, sacrifice, innovation and outstanding contributions to national security.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the honours were presented during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala and Award Nite held on Tuesday in Abuja.
One of the award recipients was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award for demonstrating selfless commitment and offering decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.
Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, was also honoured with the Service and Sacrifice Award under the Legacy Award category in recognition of reforms and the expansion of operational capacity achieved during his tenure. He was further acknowledged for his service in the diplomatic corps as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Other recipients of the Service and Sacrifice Award included Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, and Maj.-Gen. Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army in Lagos.
Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba was recognised with the Gallantry Award for exceptional bravery and leading troops from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State. Brig.-Gen. Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for his role in preventing repeated terrorist attacks and sustaining operational effectiveness under intense pressure.
Col. Ibrahim Mohammed-Gero received the Innovation Award for designing and deploying a redesigned ballistic gunboat that significantly enhanced operational effectiveness in support of Operation DELTA SAFE.
Posthumous honours were also presented. The late Col. B. Umaru was awarded the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award for his vital intelligence contributions to Operation HADIN KAI. The late Lt Col Thomas Ebisingha-Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award for his involvement in major counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
Retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, a former Director of Army Public Relations, was presented with the Sentinel of Freedom Award for his contributions to strategic military communication, peacekeeping efforts and sustained advocacy for veterans’ welfare, national security and civic values.
Retired Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Aliyu received the Phoenix Award for resilience and exceptional leadership, having continued to serve in senior defence roles despite sustaining injuries during counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
Awards were also presented to personnel from other arms of the Armed Forces.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, said the honours went beyond individual accomplishments, noting that each award reflected stories of courage, silent sacrifice and unwavering dedication to duty, often carried out away from public attention. He stated that these acts collectively formed the foundation of Nigeria’s security architecture.
Musa paid special tribute to the families of fallen heroes, particularly spouses, for bearing the unseen burden of sacrifice, assuring them that the legacy of their loved ones would remain a permanent part of Nigeria’s history. He also acknowledged military veterans whose service, he said, laid the groundwork upon which the Armed Forces continue to build.
In his vote of thanks on behalf of the award recipients, Buratai expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Defence for establishing awards to recognise gallantry, professionalism and sacrifice within the Armed Forces. He described the gala as a historic initiative that honoured deserving officers and soldiers while also paying tribute to fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the nation.
Buratai commended the leadership of the President, the Minister of Defence, the service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police for their determination in implementing measures aimed at restoring peace and security nationwide. He also praised troops on the frontlines, describing their sacrifices as a source of inspiration to both serving and retired personnel.
He thanked Nigerians for their continued support of the military, veterans and families of fallen heroes, noting that such solidarity remained the strength of the Armed Forces and would endure in the memories of those who have served the country.
The event featured multiple award categories recognising deserving serving and retired officers across the Armed Forces.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is an annual occasion dedicated to honouring fallen heroes and acknowledging serving personnel whose courage, professionalism and sacrifice continue to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
What you should know
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala is a key national event designed to recognise bravery, professionalism and sacrifice within Nigeria’s military.
Beyond individual honours, the awards highlight the collective efforts of serving and retired personnel in safeguarding national security. They also serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by fallen heroes and their families.
By institutionalising these recognitions, the Federal Government aims to boost morale, preserve military history and reinforce public appreciation for the Armed Forces’ role in maintaining peace, stability and sovereignty across the country.
