Vice President Kashim Shettima is attending the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, AFCRD, ceremony at the Cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, Eagle Square, Abuja, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
Tinubu is currently in the United Arab Emirates, where he is participating in the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, ADSW.
The AFCRD is an annual programme organised by the Ministry of Defence to honour Nigerian military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
These include soldiers who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and various internal security operations, particularly the ongoing fight against terrorism threatening the country’s unity.
Beyond commemorating the fallen, the event also celebrates living veterans and provides an opportunity to mobilise financial and moral support for their welfare, as well as for the families of deceased service members.
Although Remembrance Day is observed worldwide, Nigeria’s commemoration reflects its distinct historical journey.
As a Commonwealth nation, Nigeria initially observed Remembrance Day on November 11, in line with other member states, marking the end of the First World War in 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
However, January 15 was later adopted to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War and to better reflect Nigeria’s national experience.
The 2026 AFCRD is particularly significant, coming at a time of recorded security gains by the Armed Forces in the North-East and other parts of the country.
The occasion serves to specially recognise the bravery, professionalism and sacrifices of officers and men working tirelessly to address Nigeria’s security challenges and ensure peace for citizens.
The Federal Government has once again expressed its deep appreciation to these gallant Nigerians and urged citizens, organisations and the private sector to continue offering generous support to service personnel, especially wounded soldiers and the families of fallen heroes, during the remembrance period and beyond.