On this solemn and historic occasion of the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day for Year 2026, we gather as a nation to honour the extraordinary bravery and sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
This day serves as a poignant reminder of the heavy price paid for the peace and liberty we enjoy today. We pay our deepest respects to our fallen heroes, those valiant souls who laid down their lives in the line of duty to safeguard the unity and sovereignty of our great nation, Nigeria.
Their “today” was given for our “tomorrow”, and their legacy of courage remains etched in the annals of our nation’s history forever.
Their devotion to duty was not a mishap but a calling to patriotism; hence, the weight of our gratitude remains unquantifiable. Let us remember their families, whose strengths and resilience in the face of profound loss continue to inspire us.
Although we cannot replace the departed, we will never renege on our efforts to ensure that their legacies endure, and they shall forever be honoured by posterity.
To our gallant officers and men currently serving across various theaters of operation, I extend my sincere commendation and gratitude. Your unwavering dedication to duty, more often in the most challenging and perilous conditions, continues to strengthen our nation’s security.
You have incessantly demonstrated exceptional professionalism and loyalty to our beloved country. As your Chief of Defence Staff, I am immensely proud of your qualitative output and your commitment to the values of discipline and selfless service.
I recognize your battle scars as a silent testament to an unwavering devotion to duty, valour, and an unyielding volition to stand firm against those who would undermine the sanctity of our nation’s freedom and flourishing democracy. I make it clear that the Armed Forces shall give no quarter, nor mortgage the cradle of our national heritage and security at any time.
The boast of our great nation’s adversaries will forever remain poor, and the consequences of their hubris shall forever be disappointment. Our Armed Forces will continue to root out all threats to our national security, both local and trans-border.
The welfare of our troops, remain a priority in line with my Military Strategic Philosophy “To consolidate the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria through enhanced jointness for a reinforced operational posture, supported by improved welfare efforts and sound administration aimed at ensuring the Armed Forces maintain its core military fundamentals of guaranteeing Nigeria’s sovereignty and prosperity under a whole of government approach”.
We will continue to foster a highly professional Armed Forces with a collective mindset to meet its constitutional responsibilities. This will be in collaboration with other security institutions and civil authorities, guided by the invaluable lessons from our veterans as we navigate the various challenges to our peace and security.
I wish to most sincerely express my profound appreciation to His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic for his steadfast leadership, strategic guidance, and unwavering support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
I assure Mr President and my honoured compatriots of our enduring commitment to defending our nation’s democratic values while ensuring peace and security in our beloved nation, Nigeria.
Special gratitude goes to our families whose efforts have allowed us to serve with focus and confidence, especially our spouses who bravely man the home front, awaiting our return.
Finally, I appeal to my fellow Nigerians to pause and reminisce on the significance of this period to engender the promotion of national unity and reject all forms of divisive rhetoric.
Our shared destiny is undeniable, and the sacrifices of our military underscore the importance of strengthening our bond as one nation, never divided.
As you wear the remembrance emblem, do so with pride, knowing that it symbolizes a debt of gratitude to the labours of our forebears and the unsung heroes that keep us safe.
Together we give honour to the past, celebrate our current achievements, and work towards an even better future defined by enduring peace, stability, and prosperity for every Nigerian. May the souls of our fallen heroes rest in eternal peace.
God bless the Armed Forces of Nigeria and long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
General OO OLUYEDE,
Chief of Defence Staff,
Abuja,
January 2026
