As Nigeria marked the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), strong messages of restraint, professionalism and loyalty to democracy echoed across the country, with clerics and state governors cautioning the military against political interference or any form of unconstitutional takeover.
At interdenominational services held nationwide to honour fallen heroes, members of the Armed Forces were urged to remain apolitical, defend democracy and focus strictly on their constitutional mandate, especially as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
In Abuja, Reverend Uche Dan Okafor delivered a pointed sermon, appealing directly to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, and other service chiefs to resist any temptation to undermine Nigeria’s democratic order. Drawing lessons from recent military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, the cleric stressed that Nigeria must not follow the same path.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, Okafor emphasised that their highest duty was to protect democracy, not truncate it. He called on officers and men to remain neutral and professional in the face of political competition ahead of the next polls.
Across the states, governors used the occasion to preach unity, peace and improved welfare for serving and retired personnel. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the church and society at large had a responsibility to continually pray for peace, wisdom in leadership and the safety of those who defend the nation.
Represented at a thanksgiving service in Alausa, Sanwo-Olu described AFCRD as a moment that challenges Nigerians to embrace unity and responsibility, noting that national peace is sustained daily by unseen sacrifices of security personnel.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, urged Nigerians to honour fallen heroes by recommitting to national cohesion and active citizenship. He described the peace enjoyed in parts of the country as a direct product of the professionalism and sacrifices of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
From Bayelsa, Governor Douye Diri raised concerns over the poor welfare of retired military personnel, lamenting delays in pensions and benefits that, in some cases, have led to untimely deaths. He insisted that officers who risked their lives for Nigeria deserved dignity and adequate care during and after service.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, commended President Bola Tinubu for steps taken to strengthen national security under the Renewed Hope Agenda, including improved intelligence coordination, inter-agency collaboration and better equipment for troops. He said these efforts were beginning to restore public confidence.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, issued a stern warning to individuals and groups supporting terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements, declaring that the government would no longer tolerate such actions in the new year.
Across churches in Lagos, Asaba, Yenagoa and Abeokuta, prayers were offered for peace and stability, with moments of silence observed in honour of fallen soldiers. Clergy leaders urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice exemplified by the Armed Forces and to play their part in building a united and secure nation.
