Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday led proceedings marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) at the Cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, Eagle Square, Abuja, in the absence of President Bola Tinubu.
Shettima represented the president, who is currently in the United Arab Emirates attending the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).
The AFCRD is an annual event organised by the Ministry of Defence to honour members of the Armed Forces who paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
Those remembered include personnel who died during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and internal security operations, particularly the ongoing fight against terrorism.
Beyond honouring fallen heroes, the event also celebrates living veterans and serves as a platform to mobilise financial and moral support for their welfare, as well as for families of deceased service members.
Although observed globally, Nigeria’s commemoration reflects its distinct historical journey.
As a Commonwealth member, the country initially marked Remembrance Day on November 11, in line with other member states, to honour those who died in the World Wars.
The date signifies the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, marking the end of the First World War in 1918.
However, January 15 was later adopted to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War and to align the remembrance with national realities.
The 2026 AFCRD holds added significance, coinciding with recorded operational successes by the Armed Forces in the Northeast and other parts of the country.
It provided an opportunity to recognise the courage, professionalism, and sacrifices of officers and men working to safeguard Nigeria’s security.
The Federal Government reiterated its appreciation to serving and fallen personnel and called on citizens, organisations, and the private sector to continue supporting members of the Armed Forces, especially wounded soldiers and families of fallen heroes, during the remembrance period and beyond.