FG Honours Army Chief, Others at AFCRD 2026 Awards Ceremony
The Federal Government has conferred national 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.
The honours were presented 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.
Among the award recipients was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award for his selfless service and decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres nationwide.
Also honoured with the Service and Sacrifice Award were 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 unwavering dedication to duty.
Brigadier General Musa Uba was posthumously awarded the Gallantry Award for displaying exceptional courage and leading troops 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 was honoured with 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 awarded 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, former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), was honoured with the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award in recognition of 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) 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, having continued to render distinguished service 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 decorated with the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal in recognition of his 35 years of meritorious service in the Nigerian Army and his sustained community development initiatives after retirement.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is an annual national 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.
