The Federal Government has conferred various honours on senior officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in recognition of their gallantry, sacrifice, innovation and outstanding contributions to national security.
The awards were presented on Tuesday at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala and Award Night held in Abuja.
Among the recipients was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award for his selfless service and decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.
A 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 the reforms and expansion of operational capacity achieved during his tenure. He was further recognised for his service 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, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos.
Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba received the Gallantry Award for exceptional courage and leading troops from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, while Brig.-Gen. Usman Ahmad was honoured with the Mission Success Award for his role in foiling repeated terrorist attacks and sustaining operational effectiveness under intense pressure.
Col. Ibrahim Mohammed-Gero clinched the Innovation Award for developing and deploying a redesigned ballistic gunboat that enhanced operational effectiveness in support of Operation DELTA SAFE.
Late Col. B. Umaru was posthumously awarded the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award for his critical intelligence contributions to Operation HADIN KAI, while late Lt.-Col. Thomas Ebisingha-Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award for his role in major counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
Retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, a former Director of Army Public Relations, received the Sentinel of Freedom Award for his contributions to strategic military communication, peacekeeping operations and sustained advocacy for veterans’ welfare, national security and civic values.
Also honoured was retired Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Aliyu, who received the Phoenix Award for demonstrating resilience and exceptional leadership, having continued to serve in senior defence roles despite being wounded in action during counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
Recipients from other arms of the Armed Forces were also honoured during the ceremony.
Speaking on the significance of the awards, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, said the honours went beyond individual achievements, noting that each award represented stories of courage, quiet sacrifice and unwavering commitment to duty that form the foundation of Nigeria’s security architecture.
He paid special tribute to the families of fallen heroes, particularly spouses, for bearing the silent burden of sacrifice, assuring them that the legacy of their loved ones would remain an enduring part of the nation’s history. He also saluted military veterans for laying the foundations upon which the Armed Forces continue to build.
In his vote of thanks on behalf of the award recipients, Buratai expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Defence for instituting the 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 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, service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police for their efforts in restoring peace and security, while also praising troops on the frontlines for their continued sacrifices.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is an annual event dedicated to honouring fallen heroes and recognising serving personnel whose courage, professionalism and sacrifice continue to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty.