Vice President Kashim Shettima attended the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) at the Cenotaph of the Unknown Soldier, Eagle Square, Abuja, representing President Bola Tinubu, who is in the United Arab Emirates for the 2026 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

The annual AFCRD, organised by the Ministry of Defence, honours Nigerian military personnel who lost their lives in service to the nation. This includes soldiers who died in the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and internal security operations, particularly the fight against terrorism.

The event also recognises living veterans and aims to mobilise financial and moral support for their welfare and for the families of fallen service members.

While Remembrance Day is observed globally, Nigeria’s version reflects its unique history. Initially marked on November 11 to align with other Commonwealth countries, it was later moved to January 15 to commemorate the end of the Nigerian Civil War.

The 2026 ceremony comes at a time of security gains in the North-East and other regions, highlighting the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices of officers and soldiers protecting the nation.

The Federal Government praised the armed forces for their service and urged citizens, organisations, and the private sector to continue supporting military personnel, particularly wounded soldiers and families of fallen heroes.