The National Planning Committee for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day has released the official programme of events marking this year’s activities, scheduled to hold from Friday, 9 January to Thursday, 15 January 2026.
The week-long celebration, with the theme “Valour, Sacrifice, and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” is designed to highlight the professionalism, dedication and sacrifices of the Nigerian Armed Forces in safeguarding the nation’s unity and security.
According to a statement issued by Iheoma-Hart Queeneth, Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Sub-Committee on Publicity, the programme was unveiled by the chairman of the National Planning Committee, Mrs Bosede Olaniyi, who is also the Director of the Joint Services Department, Ministry of Defence.
Activities will commence on Friday, 9 January 2026, with Special Juma’at prayers at the National Mosque in Abuja, central mosques across the 36 states, and military formations nationwide. Special prayers will be offered for fallen heroes, serving personnel and national peace, alongside sermons focusing on sacrifice, unity and patriotism.
Dignitaries expected at the prayers include the President, state governors, Service Chiefs, senior government officials and military veterans.
On Saturday, 10 January 2026, the celebrations will feature a Humanitarian Outreach, Family and Community Day at major military barracks nationwide, including Mogadishu Cantonment in Abuja, as well as the Nigeria Legion Headquarters. Activities are scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.
The programme continues on Sunday, 11 January 2026, with a Special Thanksgiving and Interdenominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, and at military and designated churches across the states, starting at 2:00 p.m.
A National Symposium and Lecture Series will take place on Monday, 12 January 2026, at the National Defence College, Abuja, by 10:00 a.m. The lecture has the theme “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development.”
On Tuesday, 13 January 2026, a Gala and Award Night will be held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The red carpet opens at 5:00 p.m., while the main event begins at 6:00 p.m.
The celebrations will culminate on Thursday, 15 January 2026, which marks Armed Forces Remembrance Day (Proper), with a National Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the National Arcade, Abuja, and simultaneously in all state capitals from 8:00 a.m.
Highlights of the ceremony include wreath-laying by the President, Vice-President, Service Chiefs and members of the Diplomatic Corps, a 21-gun salute, the sounding of the Last Post, a minute of silence, and a parade by the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force and Legionnaires.
The 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Week is expected to promote national unity, honour fallen heroes and celebrate the courage, professionalism and humanity of Nigeria’s Armed Forces, while balancing solemn remembrance with expressions of national pride.
