The Federal Government has bestowed honors upon both active personnel and veterans of the Nigerian Army, celebrating their courage, sacrifice, innovative efforts, exemplary leadership, and contributions to the nation's development after service.
The awards were presented during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala Night, which took place at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.
One of the awardees was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award for his selfless service and decisive leadership in counter-insurgency efforts and internal security operations across various regions.
Among those honored with the Service and Sacrifice Award were Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, and Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, the former General Officer Commanding of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army in Lagos. Both were recognized for their outstanding operational leadership and commitment to their duties.
Brigadier General Musa Uba was awarded posthumously the Gallantry Award for displaying remarkable bravery and leading troops in counter-insurgency missions in Borno State. Additionally, Brigadier General Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for his significant role in thwarting persistent terrorist attacks while maintaining operational efficiency under extreme pressure.
In the innovation sector, Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero was given the Innovation Award for creating and deploying a revised ballistic gunboat that greatly improved operational capabilities in support of Operation Delta Safe.
The late Colonel B. Umaru was posthumously awarded the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Excellence Award for his exceptional intelligence leadership during Operation Hadin Kai. Furthermore, the late Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award for his bravery and crucial contributions in significant counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
In the veterans’ category, the former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), was honored with the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award for his reforms and the enhancement of operational capacity during his term from 2015 to 2021, along with his subsequent diplomatic service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) received the Sentinel of Freedom Award for his work in military communication, peacekeeping, and advocacy for veteran welfare, national security, and civic responsibility.
Major General Mohammed Sadiq Aliyu (rtd) was presented with the Phoenix Award for his exceptional resilience and leadership, having continued his service despite sustaining injuries during counter-insurgency missions.
Colonel Olubunmi Oyekola (rtd) was recognized with the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for effectively channeling his military discipline and logistical skills into a successful catering and hospitality business. On the other hand, Colonel Bartholomew Chukwuemeka Ogbonna (rtd) received the Community Champion Award for his dedication to grassroots development, healthcare initiatives, water projects, and encouraging youth engagement in the Armed Forces and other defense agencies.
Lastly, Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba was awarded the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for his 35 years of honorable service in the Nigerian Army, followed by ongoing community development efforts after retirement.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is an annual event aimed at honoring those who have fallen, recognizing current service members, and celebrating veterans whose bravery, professionalism, and sacrifice continue to protect Nigeria's sovereignty, unity, and resilience.
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