2026 Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day Kick Off Nationwide

By Harriet Tornguvan 

The 2026 Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day will commence on Friday, January 9, 2026, with special Juma’at prayers held at the National Mosque in Abuja, central mosques across the 36 states of the federation, and military formations nationwide.

The week-long programme, organised under the theme “Valour, Sacrifice, and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” is designed to underscore the professionalism, patriotism and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and promoting unity.

Releasing the programme of events, the Chairman of the National Planning Committee and Director of the Joint Services Department, Ministry of Defence, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, said activities would run from January 9 to January 15, 2026, combining solemn remembrance with community engagement and national reflection.

According to the schedule, special prayers on Friday, January 9, will be offered for fallen heroes, serving personnel and national peace, accompanied by sermons on sacrifice, unity and patriotism.

Dignitaries, including the President, state governors, Service Chiefs, senior government officials and veterans, are expected to attend.

On Saturday, January 10, the celebrations will continue with a Humanitarian Outreach and Family/Community Day at major military barracks nationwide, including Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, as well as at the Nigeria Legion Headquarters.

A Special Thanksgiving and Interdenominational Church Service is slated for Sunday, January 11, at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, and at military and designated churches across the states.

The programme will feature a National Symposium and Lecture Series on Monday, January 12, at the National Defence College, Abuja, with the theme “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development.”

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, January 13, a Gala and Award Night will hold at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to recognise outstanding service and contributions, with dignitaries expected from across government and the diplomatic community.

The climax of the celebrations comes on Thursday, January 15, marked as Armed Forces Remembrance Day proper, with a National Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the National Arcade, Abuja, and simultaneously in all state capitals. 

The ceremony will feature wreath-laying by the President, Vice-President, Service Chiefs and members of the Diplomatic Corps, a 21-gun salute, the sounding of the Last Post, a minute of silence, and a ceremonial parade by the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and Legionnaires.

The 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Week aims to honour the courage and sacrifice of Nigeria’s fallen heroes, celebrate serving personnel, and foster national unity while highlighting the heroism, professionalism and humanity of the Nigerian Armed Forces.