The Federal Government has recognised several senior officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for exceptional bravery, sacrifice, innovation and dedicated service in strengthening the country’s security architecture.
The honours were presented at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala and Award Night held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Among the award recipients was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award in recognition of his selfless leadership and decisive role in counter-insurgency and internal security operations nationwide.
Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, was also honoured with the Service and Sacrifice Award under the Legacy Award category for his wide-ranging reforms and expansion of the Army’s operational capacity during his tenure.
Buratai was further recognised for his contributions in the diplomatic arena during 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 displaying outstanding courage and leading troops from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State.
Brig.-Gen. Usman Ahmad was honoured with the Mission Success Award for his key role in foiling repeated terrorist attacks while sustaining operational effectiveness under intense pressure.
Col. Ibrahim Mohammed-Gero won the Innovation Award for designing and deploying an improved ballistic gunboat that significantly enhanced operations under Operation DELTA SAFE.
Late Col. B. Umaru was posthumously awarded the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award for his vital intelligence contributions to Operation HADIN KAI.
Late Lt.-Col. Thomas Ebisingha-Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award in recognition of his role in major counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
Retired Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, former Director of Army Public Relations, was presented with the Sentinel of Freedom Award for his contributions to strategic military communication, peacekeeping and advocacy for veterans’ welfare, national security and civic responsibility.
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 reflected stories of bravery, quiet sacrifice and unwavering dedication to duty, much of which takes place beyond public view.
According to him, such collective efforts form the foundation of Nigeria’s national security framework.
He paid special tribute to the families of fallen heroes, particularly spouses, for carrying the unseen burden of sacrifice, assuring them that their loved ones’ legacies would remain permanently enshrined in the nation’s history.
The minister also commended military veterans, whose service, he said, laid the groundwork for the continued strength of the Armed Forces.
Responding on behalf of the award recipients, Buratai expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Defence for instituting the awards to recognise gallantry, professionalism and sacrifice within the military.
He described the gala as a landmark initiative that celebrated serving officers while honouring fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of Nigeria.
Buratai further praised the leadership of the President, the Minister of Defence, service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police for their sustained efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.
He also lauded troops on the frontlines, describing their sacrifices as a source of inspiration to both serving and retired personnel.
The ceremony featured multiple award categories recognising deserving serving and retired officers across the Armed Forces.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is held annually to honour fallen heroes and acknowledge personnel whose courage, professionalism and dedication continue to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty.