AFCRD 2026: FG honours army chief Shaibu, Buratai others
The federal government has conferred various honours on senior officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army in recognition of gallantry, sacrifice, innovation and outstanding contributions to national security.
The awards were presented at the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala and Award Nite held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Among the recipients is army chief Waidi Shaibu, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award for exemplifying selfless service and providing decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across the country.
Also, former army chief Tukur Buratai received the Service and Sacrifice Award under the Legacy Award category for his reforms and expansion of operational capacity during his tenure.
Mr Buratai was also recognised for his stint in the diplomatic service as Nigeria’s ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Others honoured were Abdulsalami Abubakar, theatre commander of Operation HADIN KAI, and Faruk Mijinyawa, former general officer commanding, 81 Division, Lagos. Musa Uba was honoured with the Gallantry Award for exceptional courage and leading troops from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno.
Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for playing a critical role in foiling repeated terrorist attacks and sustaining operational effectiveness under intense pressure.
Ibrahim Mohammed-Gero clinched the Innovation Award for developing and deploying a redesigned ballistic gunboat that enhanced operational effectiveness in support of Operation DELTA SAFE.
B. Umaru was posthumously awarded the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Excellence Award for his critical intelligence contributions to Operation HADIN KAI.
Thomas Ebisingha-Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award for his role in major counter-terrorism operations in the North-East. Sani Usman, a former director of Army Public Relations, received the Sentinel of Freedom Award for his contributions to strategic military communication, peacekeeping operations and sustained advocacy for veterans’ welfare, national security and civic values.
Mohammed Aliyu clinched the Phoenix Award for demonstrating resilience and exceptional leadership, having continued to serve in senior defence roles despite being wounded in action during counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
(NAN)
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