The Federal Government presented prestigious awards to Nigerian Army personnel on Tuesday, celebrating their courage, innovation, and exceptional service to national security.
The honours were conferred during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala and Award Night in Abuja, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu received the Service and Sacrifice Award for his selfless leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations nationwide. Retired Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, a former Army Chief, was honoured in the Legacy Award category for transforming operational capacity during his tenure and for his subsequent diplomatic service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic.
Additional Service and Sacrifice Awards went to Maj-Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, and Maj-Gen. Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding the 81 Division in Lagos.
Brig-Gen. Musa Uba earned the Gallantry Award for frontline courage during counter-insurgency operations in Borno, while Brig-Gen. Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for thwarting multiple terrorist attacks under intense pressure.
Col. Ibrahim Mohammed-Gero won the Innovation Award for designing an advanced ballistic gunboat that strengthened Operation DELTA SAFE. The late Col. B. Umaru received posthumous recognition with the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award for vital intelligence work supporting Operation HADIN KAI, while the late Lt-Col. Thomas Ebisingha-Alari was honoured as a Fallen Hero for his counter-terrorism efforts in the North-East.
Retired Brig-Gen. Sani Usman, former Director of Army Public Relations, claimed the Sentinel of Freedom Award for advancing military communication, peacekeeping, and veterans’ advocacy. Retired Maj-Gen. Mohammed Aliyu received the Phoenix Award for resilient leadership after being wounded during North-East operations yet continuing to serve in senior defence positions.
Personnel from other military services also received honours.
Defence Minister retired Gen. Christopher Musa emphasized that the awards represented more than individual accomplishments—they embodied stories of courage and sacrifice often performed away from the spotlight, forming the foundation of Nigeria’s security framework. He paid special tribute to families of fallen heroes and veterans whose service established the groundwork for today’s Armed Forces.
Accepting on behalf of all recipients, Buratai thanked President Bola Tinubu and the Defence Ministry for creating awards that recognize gallantry and professionalism. He described the event as historic, honouring both living servicemembers and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Buratai commended the President, Defence Minister, service chiefs, and Inspector-General of Police for their determined peacekeeping efforts, while praising frontline troops whose sacrifices inspire all personnel.
He expressed gratitude to Nigerians for supporting the military, veterans, and bereaved families, calling such solidarity the Armed Forces’ greatest strength.
The annual Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day honours fallen heroes and recognizes personnel whose professionalism and sacrifice protect Nigeria’s sovereignty.
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