Gala of Heroes: FG Honours Army Chief, Buratai, Fallen Gallants at 2026 AFCRD Awards

The Federal Government has bestowed high-profile national honours on serving personnel, veterans, and fallen heroes of the Nigerian Army in a colorful ceremony marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD). 

The Gala Night, held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the State House Banquet Hall, served as a platform to recognize the "extraordinary grit and innovation" of the military in its fight against insurgency and its role in national development.

Leading the roll of honor was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award. The citation credited him with providing "decisive leadership" across multiple theaters of internal security.

Other prominent recipients in this category included:

Maj. Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI.;Maj. Gen. Faruk Mijinyawa, Former GOC, 81 Division, Lagos.

In a moving segment of the night, the government honored those who paid the supreme price.

Brig. Gen. Musa Uba (Posthumous) awarded for leading troops from the front in the trenches of Borno State.

Lt. Col. Thomas Ebisingha Alari (Posthumous) Honoured with the Fallen Heroes Award for his pivotal role in North-East counter-terrorism.

A standout recognition was the Innovation Award given to Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero. He was celebrated for the indigenous design and deployment of a ballistic gunboat, which has significantly bolstered the Nigerian Army’s amphibious capabilities in the Niger Delta under Operation DELTA SAFE.

The 2026 awards also highlighted that military service continues long after retirement.

Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd), received the Legacy Award for his 2015–2021 reforms and his subsequent diplomatic service as Ambassador to Benin Republic.

Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman (Rtd), received the Sentinel of Freedom Award for his enduring work in strategic communications and veteran welfare.

Col. Olubunmi Oyekola (Rtd), Honoured with the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for launching a successful hospitality enterprise post-retirement.