The Federal Government has honoured former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), alongside serving personnel and veterans of the Nigerian Army at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Awards Ceremony, in recognition of gallantry, sacrifice, innovation, exemplary leadership and outstanding post-service contributions to national development.
The awards were presented during the AFCRD 2026 Gala Night held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), who served as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021, was a major highlight of the ceremony as he received the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award. The honour recognises his far-reaching reforms, expansion of operational capacity, and strategic transformation of the Nigerian Army during his tenure, as well as his continued service to the nation in a diplomatic capacity as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Also honoured at the ceremony was the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General 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 multiple theatres.
Other recipients of the Service and Sacrifice Award include Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI, and Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos, in recognition of their exceptional operational leadership and dedication to duty.
Brigadier General Musa Uba was posthumously awarded the Gallantry Award for his exceptional courage and leadership from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State. Brigadier General Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for his critical role in repelling repeated terrorist attacks and sustaining operational effectiveness under intense pressure.
In the area of innovation, Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero received the **Innovation Award** for developing and deploying a redesigned ballistic gunboat that significantly enhanced operational effectiveness in support of Operation DELTA SAFE.
Late Colonel B. Umaru was posthumously honoured with the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Excellence Award for outstanding intelligence leadership during Operation HADIN KAI, while late Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award for his gallantry and pivotal role in major counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
In the veterans’ category, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) 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. Major General Mohammed Sadiq Aliyu (rtd) was presented with the Phoenix Award for resilience and exceptional leadership despite being wounded in action during counter-insurgency operations.
Colonel Olubunmi Oyekola (rtd) received the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for successfully translating military discipline and logistics expertise into a thriving catering and hospitality enterprise, while Colonel Bartholomew Chukwuemeka Ogbonna (rtd) was honoured with the Community Champion Award for his commitment to grassroots development, healthcare support, water projects and youth mobilisation for service in the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba was also awarded the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for his 35 years of meritorious service in the Nigerian Army and his sustained post-retirement community development initiatives.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is an annual event dedicated to honouring fallen heroes, recognising serving personnel and celebrating veterans whose courage, professionalism and sacrifice continue to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity and national resilience.
