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.”

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reiterated his administration’s unwavering support for widows and children of fallen heroes, as well as the welfare of vulnerable ex-servicemen.

The governor made this pledge during the grand finale of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, held on Wednesday at the Arcade, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

Makinde emphasized that the state government would prioritize the welfare of those who had sacrificed for the nation’s unity and security.

“The fallen heroes paid the supreme price to ensure the country remained one, safe, and secure,” Makinde said.

He also commended the service commanders, officers, and men of all security agencies operating in the state for their dedication to maintaining peace and fostering economic growth.

“They are supporting this administration to maintain an environment where economic activities can thrive,” he added.

The chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Oyo State Command, Julius Ogunkojo, called on the government to address the needs of officers and men of the armed forces. He also appealed to well-meaning Nigerians to assist ex-servicemen in achieving better living standards.

The event featured the symbolic firing of rounds volley, laying of wreaths, and the release of ceremonial pigeons by the governor, symbolizing peace and unity.

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day, celebrated annually, honours the sacrifices of past and present military personnel for the nation’s security and sovereignty.

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.