The Federal Government has honoured serving personnel and veterans of the Nigerian Army for gallantry, sacrifice, innovation, leadership excellence and post-service contributions to national development.
The honours were conferred at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala Night held at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, received the Service and Sacrifice Award for his selfless service and decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across several theatres.
Other recipients of the Service and Sacrifice Award include the Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, and former GOC, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos, Major General Faruk Mijinyawa.
Brigadier General Musa Uba was posthumously honoured with the Gallantry Award for exceptional bravery and frontline leadership during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State.
Brigadier General Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for his role in repelling repeated terrorist attacks and sustaining operational effectiveness under intense pressure.
In the innovation category, Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero won the Innovation Award for developing a redesigned ballistic gunboat that enhanced operational effectiveness in support of Operation DELTA SAFE.
Late Colonel B. Umaru was posthumously awarded the ISR Excellence Award for outstanding intelligence leadership during Operation HADIN KAI.
Late Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award for gallantry and his pivotal role in major counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), was honoured with the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award for reforms carried out during his tenure and his diplomatic service to Nigeria.
Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) received the Sentinel of Freedom Award for contributions to military communication, peacekeeping and advocacy for veterans’ welfare.
Major General Mohammed Sadiq Aliyu (rtd) was honoured with the Phoenix Award for resilience and leadership despite sustaining injuries in combat.
Colonel Olubunmi Oyekola (rtd) and Colonel Bartholomew Chukwuemeka Ogbonna (rtd) received the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award and Community Champion Award respectively for post-service contributions to economic growth and grassroots development.
Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba was awarded the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for 35 years of meritorious service and continued community engagement.
AFCRD is an annual event dedicated to honouring fallen heroes, celebrating serving personnel and recognising veterans for their contributions to national security and unity.
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