COAS Shaibu Leads Honorees at Military Recognition Event

By Love Ikuku-Oyedokun

The Federal Government on Tuesday honored serving and retired military officers for their exceptional service to the nation during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala Night held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja.

Cablenews24 reports that among the distinguished recipients was the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who received the prestigious Service and Sacrifice Award for his exemplary leadership in counter-insurgency operations across Nigeria’s conflict zones. The COAS was recognized for his strategic command that has significantly degraded terrorist activities in multiple theaters of operation.

The ceremony, attended by top government officials and military brass, also honored Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, and Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding of 81 Division, with the same award for their outstanding operational leadership.

In a poignant moment, Brigadier General Musa Uba was posthumously awarded the Gallantry Award for his extraordinary courage in leading troops during critical counter-insurgency operations in Borno State before making the ultimate sacrifice. Brigadier General Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for his tactical brilliance in repelling repeated terrorist attacks under intense pressure.

The innovation category saw Colonel Ibrahim Mohammed Gero honored for developing a redesigned ballistic gunboat that has enhanced naval operations in the Niger Delta under Operation DELTA SAFE. The military’s intelligence corps was also recognized with posthumous awards to late Colonel B Umaru (ISR Excellence Award) and Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Ebisingha Alari (Fallen Heroes Award) for their exceptional contributions to counter-terrorism intelligence.

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The veterans’ category celebrated former service chiefs and retired officers who continue to serve the nation. Former COAS Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd) received the Legacy Award for his transformative reforms during his tenure (2015-2021) and subsequent diplomatic service. Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) was honored with the Sentinel of Freedom Award for his strategic communication expertise and veterans’ advocacy.

Other notable recipients included Major General Mohammed Sadiq Aliyu (rtd) who received the Phoenix Award for his resilience after being wounded in action, Colonel Olubunmi Oyekola (rtd) honored for his entrepreneurial success in hospitality, and Colonel Bartholomew Chukwuemeka Ogbonna (rtd) recognized for community development initiatives. Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba rounded out the honorees with the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for his 35 years of meritorious service.

Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, who presented the awards, described the honorees as “the finest exemplars of military excellence” whose sacrifices have preserved Nigeria’s sovereignty. “These heroes, both living and departed, represent the very best of our armed forces – their courage, innovation and dedication continue to inspire our nation,” he stated.

The annual event serves to commemorate fallen heroes while recognizing serving personnel and veterans whose contributions have strengthened national security. This year’s ceremony carried particular significance as Nigeria marks significant gains against insurgent groups in the Northeast and other conflict zones.

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