FG HONOURS ARMY CHIEF, SERVING PERSONNEL AND VETERANS AT AFCRD 2026 AWARDS CEREMONY

Abuja, 14 January 2026 – The Federal Government has conferred honours on serving personnel and veterans of the Nigerian Army in recognition of gallantry, sacrifice, innovation, exemplary leadership, and post-service contributions to national development.

The awards were presented during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Gala Night, held on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, received the Service and Sacrifice Award for selfless service and decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres. Other recipients of the same award included Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, and Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Lagos, for their exceptional operational leadership.

Brigadier General Musa Uba was honoured with the Gallantry Award for leading troops courageously during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, while Brigadier General Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for his critical role in repelling repeated terrorist attacks under intense operational pressure.

In the innovation category, Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero received the Innovation Award for developing a redesigned ballistic gunboat that enhanced operational effectiveness during Operation DELTA SAFE.

Posthumous awards were also presented: Colonel B Umaru received the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Excellence Award, and Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award for their leadership and gallantry in major counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.

Among veterans, former COAS Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd) received the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award for his reforms and expansion of operational capacity, as well as his diplomatic service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin. Other honourees included:

Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) – Sentinel of Freedom Award for strategic military communication, peacekeeping, and advocacy for veterans.

Major General Mohammed Sadiq Aliyu (rtd) – Phoenix Award for resilience and distinguished leadership despite being wounded in action.

Colonel Olubunmi Oyekola (rtd) – Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for successful civilian enterprise.

Colonel Bartholomew Chukwuemeka Ogbonna (rtd) – Community Champion Award for youth mobilisation and grassroots development.

Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba – Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for 35 years of meritorious military service and post-retirement community initiatives.

The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is an annual event dedicated to honouring fallen heroes, recognising serving personnel, and celebrating veterans whose courage, professionalism, and sacrifice continue to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and national resilience.

Signed:

Appolonia Anele

Colonel, Acting Director Army Public Relations

14 January 2026