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The 2026 Nigerian Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day officially commenced today, Friday, 9 January 2026, with special Juma’at prayers held simultaneously at the National Mosque in Abuja, central mosques across the 36 states of the federation, and in all military formations nationwide, marking the formal opening of a week-long programme dedicated to honouring the nation’s military heroes.

The commencement was announced in a press statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Friday, setting the tone for a series of solemn, reflective and ceremonial activities scheduled to run from 9 to 15 January 2026. The celebrations are being held under the theme, “Valour, Sacrifice, and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” a theme deliberately chosen to underscore the critical role, professionalism and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the present dispensation.

At the special Juma’at services held today, prayers were offered for fallen heroes, serving personnel and the peace and unity of the nation, while sermons focused on sacrifice, patriotism and national cohesion.

Dignitaries expected at the opening ceremonies include the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, state Governors, Service Chiefs, senior government officials and veterans, reflecting the national significance attached to the remembrance activities.

According to the programme of events released by the Chairman of the National Planning Committee, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, who also serves as the Director of the Joint Services Department of the Ministry of Defence, the celebrations will unfold across the country through a carefully structured sequence of religious, humanitarian, intellectual and ceremonial engagements.

Activities continue on Saturday, 10 January 2026, with a Humanitarian Outreach as well as Family and Community Day, scheduled to take place at major military barracks nationwide, including the Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, and at the Nigeria Legion Headquarters.

The outreach programme, which begins at 10:00 am, is designed to strengthen civil-military relations and demonstrate the human and compassionate side of the Armed Forces through direct engagement with families, veterans and host communities.

On Sunday, 11 January 2026, attention will shift to Christian worship with a Special Thanksgiving and Interdenominational Church Service holding at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, as well as at military churches and designated churches across the 36 states. The service, scheduled for 2:00 pm, will provide an opportunity for thanksgiving, reflection and prayers for the nation, the Armed Forces and the families of fallen and serving personnel.

The intellectual component of the remembrance week comes up on Monday, 12 January 2026, with a National Symposium and Lecture Series at the National Defence College, Abuja, starting at 10:00 am. The symposium, themed “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development,” is expected to examine the evolving role of the military in safeguarding national security while contributing to sustainable national development.

Celebrations will take on a ceremonial and social dimension on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, with a Gala and Award Night scheduled for the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The event will feature a red carpet reception from 5:00 pm, followed by the main programme at 6:00 pm, and is intended to recognise excellence, service and dedication within the Armed Forces and associated institutions.

The week-long activities will culminate on Thursday, 15 January 2026, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day proper, with a National Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the National Arcade in Abuja and simultaneously in all state capitals across the federation.

The ceremony, which begins at 8:00 am, will feature wreath-laying by the President, the Vice-President, the Service Chiefs and members of the Diplomatic Corps. Other highlights include a 21-gun salute, the sounding of the Last Post, a national minute of silence in honour of the fallen, and a ceremonial parade involving the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and Legionnaires.

The Ministry of Defence described the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Week as a period dedicated to celebrating courage, fostering national unity and honouring sacrifice.

The programme, according to the ministry, carefully balances solemn remembrance with expressions of national pride, while showcasing the heroism, professionalism and humanity of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, whose service continues to underpin the nation’s peace, security and collective identity.