Abuja — Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima attended the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) at the Cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier in Eagle Square, Abuja, representing President Bola Tinubu, who is currently attending Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) in the United Arab Emirates.
Organised annually by the Ministry of Defence, the AFCRD honours servicemen and women who paid the ultimate price for Nigeria’s security and sovereignty. The commemoration recognises personnel who lost their lives during the World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peace support operations, and ongoing internal security engagements, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
The event also celebrates living veterans and provides a platform for rallying financial and moral support for their welfare, as well as for the families of fallen service members.
While Remembrance Day is observed globally, Nigeria’s AFCRD reflects the country’s unique history. Previously aligned with the Commonwealth on November 11 to mark the end of the First World War, Nigeria now observes the day on January 15 to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War and to reflect national realities.
The 2026 edition of AFCRD is especially significant, coinciding with recent successes by the Armed Forces in the Northeast and other regions of the country. It provides an opportunity to recognise the courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of officers and men who confront security challenges so that citizens may live in peace.
The Federal Government reiterated its enduring gratitude to these gallant Nigerians and called on citizens, organisations, and the private sector to support service personnel generously—especially the wounded and the families of fallen heroes—during the remembrance period and beyond.
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