The Federal Government has recognised nine Nigerian Army personnel and veterans, living and deceased, with national honours for acts of gallantry, leadership, innovation and long-term service, during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala Night in Abuja.
The ceremony, held at the State House Banquet Hall, brought together senior military officers, veterans and government officials to commemorate fallen heroes and acknowledge outstanding contributions within the Nigerian Army.
Among those honoured were five serving officers, a retired general, and three personnel who lost their lives during counter-insurgency operations.
The Nigerian Army disclosed the details of the honours in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
One of the posthumous recipients was Brigadier General Musa Uba, who received the Gallantry Award for leading troops from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State.
Uba was killed in November 2025 when terrorists ambushed military personnel along the Damboa Road axis near Wajiroko while they were transporting equipment.
“Brigadier General Musa Uba was honoured with the Gallantry Award for displaying exceptional courage and leading troops from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State” Anele said
Two officers were honoured posthumously for their roles in intelligence and counter-terrorism.
She continued, “Late Colonel B. Umaru received the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award for his contributions to Operation HADIN KAI, while late Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari was awarded the Fallen Heroes Award for his service in counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.”
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, also received national recognition for his leadership role in internal security and counter-insurgency efforts across multiple operational theatres.
“The Federal Government has conferred various honours on serving personnel and veterans of the Nigerian Army in recognition of gallantry, sacrifice, innovation, exemplary leadership and post-service contributions to national development.
“Among the recipients was the Chief of Army Staff, 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.
“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.
“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, for their exceptional operational leadership and dedication to duty.”
Beyond frontline operations, the honours also highlighted innovation and intelligence-driven contributions.
Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero received recognition in the innovation category for developing a redesigned ballistic gunboat deployed under Operation DELTA SAFE to support maritime security operations.
The ceremony further acknowledged long-term institutional impact within the veterans’ category.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), received the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award for reforms carried out during his tenure between 2015 and 2021, as well as his subsequent diplomatic service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Commending the recipients, President Bola Tinubu, represented at the event by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged members of the Armed Forces to remain disciplined, united and loyal, describing them as protectors of Nigeria’s democratic order.
The President also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the military and announced the approval of two initiatives—the Thank-A-Soldier Electronic Wall and the My Nigerian Hero Campaign—designed to give Nigerians structured platforms to honour serving personnel and veterans.
