The Federal Government has conferred various honours on senior officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in recognition of gallantry, sacrifice, innovation and outstanding contributions to national security.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awards were presented at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala and Award Nite held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Among the recipients is the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award for exemplifying selfless service and providing decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.
Also, former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, received the Service and Sacrifice Award under the Legacy Award category for his reforms and expansion of operational capacity during his tenure.
Buratai was also recognised for his stint in the diplomatic service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Others honoured with the Service and Sacrifice Award included Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, and Maj.-Gen. Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos.
Brig. – Gen. Musa Uba was honoured with the Gallantry Award for exceptional courage and leading troops from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno.
Also, Brig.-Gen. Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for playing a critical 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.
The late Col. B. Umaru was posthumously awarded the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award for his critical intelligence contributions to Operation HADIN KAI.
The 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.
Retired Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Aliyu clinched 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.
There were also recipients from other services.
Speaking on the awards, the Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, said the awards went beyond individual achievements, as each honour represented stories of courage, quiet sacrifice and unwavering commitment to duty, many of which were carried out away from public attention.
Musa said such acts collectively formed the bedrock of the nation’s security architecture.
He paid special tributes 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 Nigeria’s history.
He also saluted military veterans, whose service, he said, laid the foundations upon which the Armed Forces continue to build.
In his vote of thanks on behalf of the recipients, Buratai expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Defence for instituting awards to recognise gallantry, professionalism and sacrifice within the Armed Forces.
He described the gala and awards as a historic initiative that not only honoured deserving officers and soldiers but also paid 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, the service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police for their courage and resolute efforts in implementing measures aimed at restoring peace and security across the country.
He also paid tribute to troops on the frontlines, describing their sacrifices as a source of inspiration to serving and retired personnel alike.
He thanked Nigerians for their continued support of the military, veterans and families of fallen heroes, noting that such solidarity remained the strength of the Armed Forces and would endure in the memories of those who have served the nation.
The event featured different categories of awards to some deserving serving and retired officers of the armed forces.
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. (NAN)
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