The Federal Government has conferred national honours on several serving personnel and veterans of the Nigerian Army, including a brigadier general killed in action, in recognition of their gallantry, innovation, and leadership.
themomentng reports that the awards were presented on Tuesday night at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala Night, held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
The recognition was made public in a statement released on Wednesday by the Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele.
Among the recipients was Brigadier General Musa Uba, who was posthumously honoured with the Gallantry Award for his bravery in counter-insurgency operations.
“Brigadier General Musa Uba was honoured with the Gallantry Award for displaying exceptional courage and leading troops from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State,” the Army statement read.
General Uba was killed in November 2025 when terrorists ambushed his team near Wajiroko along the Damboa Road axis in Borno State, while troops were transporting military equipment.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, received the Service and Sacrifice Award for his role in leading military operations and reforming internal security strategies.
“Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu received the Service and Sacrifice Award for exemplifying selfless service and providing decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres,” the Army said.
Others honoured in the same category include:
Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Operation HADIN KAI.
Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, former GOC, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos.
Both were recognised for “exceptional operational leadership and dedication to duty.”
Brigadier General Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for his critical role in repelling multiple terrorist attacks under intense pressure and maintaining operational efficiency.
In the innovation category, Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero was recognised for developing a redesigned ballistic gunboat, which has since been deployed under Operation DELTA SAFE.
The late Colonel B. Umaru was posthumously awarded the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award for his work in Operation HADIN KAI, while Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award for his contributions to counter-terrorism in the North-East.
In the veterans’ category, former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (retd.), received the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award.
Buratai was honoured for his military reforms between 2015 and 2021 and for his diplomatic service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Speaking at the gala, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, urged the Armed Forces to remain disciplined, loyal and united, describing them as “guardians of Nigeria’s democracy.”
He also announced the approval of two national initiatives, ‘Thank-A-Soldier Electronic Wall’, and “My Nigerian Hero Campaign”, to promote public appreciation of military service.
The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is held annually to honour fallen heroes, celebrate serving personnel, and appreciate the contributions of veterans in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty.
