Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday led a distinguished delegation, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Assembly, service chiefs, and the diplomatic corps, to pay tribute to the nation’s fallen and living heroes.

The solemn occasion, held at the National Arcade in Abuja, featured a wreath-laying ceremony marking the climax of the 2025 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).

Vice President Shettima was the first to lay a wreath, followed by Senate President Akpabio, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu (representing Speaker Tajudeen Abbas), and Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Kudirat Kerere-Ekun.

Other participants in the ceremony included Minister of Defence Muhammed Badaru, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, and service chiefs led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, also joined in paying respects.

Representatives of the diplomatic corps, the Nigerian Legion, and widows of fallen soldiers, led by Veronica Aluko, President of the Military Widows Association (MIWA), also laid wreaths to honour the heroes.

A traditional military salute followed, with the firing of three volleys, a symbolic act rooted in the age-old battlefield custom of pausing hostilities to retrieve the fallen.

The Vice President capped the event by signing the anniversary register and releasing ceremonial white pigeons, symbolizing peace and freedom.

The week-long celebration began on January 10 with a Jumma’at prayer at the National Mosque, followed by an interdenominational Christian service on January 12. Other highlights included a social and awards evening for military personnel, a regimental dinner and awards night for officers, and a lecture and art exhibition hosted by Defence Headquarters.

This year, the celebration, renamed Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, aims to honour both fallen heroes and serving personnel for their dedication to national peace and security.

Observed annually on January 15 in Nigeria, the day commemorates those who sacrificed their lives in global conflicts, including the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions, and internal security operations. It also serves as a platform to honour veterans and garner support for the families of the fallen.

As Vice President Shettima noted during the event, “Their sacrifices remind us of the cost of freedom and the unwavering commitment required to preserve our nation’s unity and peace.”

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, on Monday in Abuja.

Akinboyewa said the NAF aircraft carried out the operations in Nov. 23 on the strategic location, identified through meticulous intelligence efforts.

He said the location served as a critical food storage site and a sanctuary for terrorist commanders and fighters.

He added that intelligence had previously linked terrorists in the location to recent attacks, including the assault on troops in Kareto on Nov. 16.

According to him, the NAF fighter jets, in response, launched a robust air interdiction mission, destroying identified structures used as storage facilities and neutralising terrorists on-site.

“Mop-up operations using cannons ensured the complete elimination of fleeing hostile elements.

“The operation’s success was made possible by extensive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions conducted over several days, confirming the presence of active terrorist structures camouflaged under dense vegetation.

“The destruction of the terrorist enclave, including food storage facilities, severely disrupted their logistical operations, while the neutralisation of a significant number of fighters diminished their capacity to launch future attacks,” he said.

Akinboyewa said the mission had demonstrated the NAF’s unwavering commitment to defending our nation and people, acting singly and supporting surface forces in counterterrorism operations.

He reiterated the NAF’s commitment to sustain robust independent and joint operations until all enemies of Nigeria’s prosperity and wellbeing are brought to justice.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, has handed over illicit drugs worth N117.59 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Comptroller of the command, Mr James Ojo, disclosed this during the handing over of the drugs to Mr Olusegun Adeyeye, the Commander of NDLEA, Idiroko Special Area Command, in Abeokuta, Ogun, on Friday.

Ojo said the customs handed over the seized cannabis and tramadol tablets to the Idiroko Special Command for further investigation in line with the standard operating procedures and inter-agency collaboration.

He said the illicit drugs were seized  in various strategic locations between January and November 21, 2024, in Ogun State.

He added that the illicit drugs were abandoned at various locations, including the Abeokuta axis, the Agbawo/Igankoto area of Yewa North Local Government Area, and Imeko Afton axis.

Ojo said that the seizure of the cannabis sativa and tramaling tablets, another brand of tramadol, was made possible through credible intelligence and strategic operations of the customs personnel.

“The successful interception of these dangerous substances would not have been possible without the robust collaboration and support from our intelligence units, local informants and sister agencies.

“These landmark operations are testament to the unwavering dedication of the NCS to safeguard the health and well-being of our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” he said.

He said the seizures comprised 403 sacks and 6,504 parcels, weighing 7,217.7 kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each, with a total Duty Paid Value of N117,587,405,00.

He described the height of illicit drugs smuggling in the recent time as worrisome.

This, he said, underscores the severity of drug trafficking within the borders.

“Between Oct. 13 and Nov. 12 alone, operatives intercepted a total of 1,373 parcels of cannabis sativa, weighing 1,337kg and 362 packs of tramaling tablets of 225mg each,” he said.

Ojo said the seizures had  disrupted the supply chain of illicit drugs, thereby mitigating the risks those substances posed to the youth, families and communities.

He lauded the synergy between its command, security agencies and other stakeholders that led to the remarkable achievements.

Ojo also commended the Comptroller General of NCS for creating an enabling environment for the command to achieve the success.

Responding, Adeyeye, applauded the customs for achieving the feat.

Adeyeye pledged to continue to collaborate with the customs to fight against illicit trade and drug trafficking in the state.