Nigeria’s leader, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday charged the military to remain steadfast in discipline, loyalty and unity, describing men of the Armed Forces as the enduring symbol of Nigeria’s shared strength and guardians of the nation’s democracy.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the military in order to secure lasting peace and stability across the country.

Tinubu, represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, spoke at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Gala and Award Night held on Wednesday night, saying: “As your Commander-in-Chief, I charge you to remain true to the values of discipline, loyalty, and unity that define you as service personnel. In a diverse nation such as ours, you remain the enduring symbol of our shared strength.”

“I urge you to remain loyal to our Constitution and our democracy. Your role as guardians of our unity is as vital as your role as defenders of our borders, for our strength as a nation lies in our unity.”

He said the welfare of troops was inseparable from national security, assuring personnel of improved equipment, enhanced training and better living conditions.

Tinubu also stressed that his government would continue to match their sacrifices with concrete support.

The President, while paying glowing tributes to the fallen heroes who paid the supreme prices in defence of the nation, noted that their names were etched not only on monuments but in the hearts of Nigerians.

He added that remembrance was a permanent national duty and not merely a ceremonial exercise.

Tinubu commended the serving personnel for their courage and resilience on the front-lines, saying their recent operational successes had helped restore confidence and safety in many communities previously affected by insecurity.

He also acknowledged the sacrifices of military families, describing their support as a vital pillar of national defence.

The President announced the approval of two nationwide engagement initiatives—the Thank-A-Soldier Electronic Wall and the My Nigerian Hero Campaign—to enable Nigerians to honour service personnel and veterans.

He assured Nigerians that despite progress recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the government would not relent until every citizen could live and work in safety and dignity.

The event featured different categories of awards to some deserving serving and retired officers of the armed forces.

The awardees were the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, former COAS, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai (rtd), and former Army Spokesperson, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, among several others.

Nigeria has received military equipments supplied by the United States. The supplies are meant to support  ongoing operations in the country.

The United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, announced the delivery in a post on X on Tuesday.

“US forces delivered critical military supplies to our Nigerian partners in Abuja. This delivery supports Nigeria’s ongoing operations and emphasizes our shared security partnership,” AFRICOM said on X.

Nigeria in recent times has faced an upsurge of insecurity, with hundreds being kidnapped.

US forces launched airstrikes on terrorist enclaves in North-West Nigeria on Christmas Day.

The Federal Government has redesignated the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, celebrated annually on January 15, to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

The Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, explained in a statement on Thursday that the redesignation was to reflect the dual purpose of the day.

“January 15 is set aside annually by the Federal Government of Nigeria to honour the living personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) while acknowledging the sacrifices of those who have paid the supreme price to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity as well as the lives and properties of its citizens.

“Previously known as ‘Armed Forces Remembrance Day‘, the name was officially changed to ‘Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day’ to better reflect the dual essence of the occasion in honouring the living while also acknowledging the fallen heroes,” Uba said.

He urged the media to adopt “Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day” in all their future reportage.

“The AFN once again appreciates the media’s unwavering support in the fight against insecurity and looks forward to even stronger collaboration ahead.”

Also, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops to remain resolute in degrading and neutralising bandits and terrorists in order to restore public confidence and enhance security.

Shaibu, who is on a tour of army formations in Niger State, gave the charge while addressing officers and men of 18 Brigade, Latini Barracks, Bida.

Also, at the 31 Artillery Brigade, Minna, the army boss charged the troops to remain firm, vigilant and decisive in dealing with terrorists operating in the general areas of Shiroro, Rijau, and other locations within the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility.

He assured them of enhanced welfare package aimed at boosting their morale and improving operational effectiveness.

Shaibu further assured them that he remained fully committed to prioritising the welfare of troops and their families as a critical factor in achieving sustained operational success.

The COAS disclosed plans to construct additional accommodation facilities and establish skills acquisition centres to improve the well-being and economic empowerment of troops’ families.

Shaibu said that he had been adequately briefed on their challenges, particularly regarding accommodation and other critical facilities aimed at enhancing the well-being of soldiers and their families.

He commended them for their steadfastness, professionalism and diligence in managing the security situation within their Areas of Responsibility.

He urged the troops to remain professional in the discharge of their duties and to continue to uphold fundamental human rights in line with the provisions of the United Nations Charter.