Nigeria paused this week to remember its fallen and reaffirm its commitment to those who stand between the country and insecurity. At the centre of that remembrance was Brigadier General Musa Uba, a frontline commander who died in active service—now formally honoured by the Federal Government alongside serving officers and veterans whose careers have shaped Nigeria’s military history.

The honours were conferred at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Gala Night, held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja.

The Nigerian Army said the awards recognised gallantry, sacrifice and outstanding contributions to national security and development, according to a statement signed by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations.

Brigadier General Uba

Brigadier General Musa Uba, who lost his life in the line of duty, was posthumously awarded the Gallantry Award in recognition of his exceptional courage and leadership during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, where he was widely known for leading troops from the front.

His death followed a November 2025 ambush in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, when troops of 25 Task Force Brigade came under heavy jihadist fire while returning from a successful patrol around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, near the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

According to the Army, the patrol team—led by Brigadier General Uba and comprising troops of 25 Task Force Brigade and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)—“courageously fought through the insurgents’ ambush with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray and to abandon their mission,” though four officers, including Uba, lost their lives.

COAS Honoured

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, received the Service and Sacrifice Award for his selfless service and decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres nationwide.

Other recipients of the same award include Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, and former General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Lagos. Both were recognised for exceptional operational leadership and dedication to duty.

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 was presented with the Innovation Award for designing and deploying a redesigned ballistic gunboat that significantly enhanced operational effectiveness in support of Operation DELTA SAFE.

Two officers were also honoured posthumously:

Late Colonel B. Umaru, who received the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Excellence Award for outstanding intelligence leadership during Operation HADIN KAI

Late Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari, presented with the Fallen Heroes Award for gallantry and a pivotal role in major counter-terrorism operations in the North-East

In the veterans’ category, former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd) received the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award for reforms and expansion of operational capacity during his tenure from 2015 to 2021, as well as his subsequent diplomatic service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.

Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) was honoured with the Sentinel of Freedom Award for contributions to strategic military communication, peacekeeping operations and sustained advocacy for veterans’ welfare and national security.

Major General Mohammed Sadiq Aliyu (rtd) received the Phoenix Award for resilience and leadership, having continued to serve despite being wounded in action during counter-insurgency operations.

Other awardees include Colonel Olubunmi Oyekola (rtd) – Entrepreneurial Spirit Award; Colonel Bartholomew Chukwuemeka Ogbonna (rtd) – Community Champion Award; and Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba – Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for 35 years of meritorious service and post-retirement community development.

Tinubu Reaffirms Support

As the nation marked the important event, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s military in a personally signed statement.

“The names might not always be remembered, but their courage sustains our freedom and peace. A nation that forgets its fallen heroes loses its direction; Nigeria, however, remembers.

“I also speak today to the families of our fallen heroes — widows, children, and loved ones. Your loss is profound, and no words can replace the sacrifices of your loved ones. They served Nigeria with honour, and our people will never forget their sacrifices,” Tinubu said in his tribute to the families of fallen heroes.

Addressing serving personnel, Tinubu added, “Today, we celebrate our serving personnel. From the frontlines to support positions, on land, sea, and air, you carry the heavy responsibility of protecting our people and sovereignty with discipline, courage, and professionalism, often far from home.”

“As President and Commander-in-Chief, I reaffirm my commitment to the welfare and dignity of our Armed Forces. A secure Nigeria stands behind those who defend it. We will continue to support them in action.”

National Wreath-Laying

President Tinubu was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the national activities in Abuja. At the National Arcade, Shettima was joined by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and members of the diplomatic corps.

They were led in a solemn march to the cenotaph by soldiers, where wreaths were laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Special prayers were conducted for living and fallen heroes, followed by a minute of silence and the firing of the artillery gun.

Observed annually on 15 January, the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) honours veterans of World Wars I and II, the Nigerian Civil War, and all servicemen and women who have paid the ultimate price in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity and peace.

This year’s ceremonies, shaped by recent losses and ongoing operations, served as a reminder that Nigeria’s security is still being paid for—daily—by those who wear the uniform.