FG Confers Nat’l Honours on Gen Musa, Buratai, Others in Recognition of Gallantry, Sacrifice

By Emmanuel Kwada

The Federal Government has conferred prestigious national honours on serving and retired personnel of the Nigerian Army, including the current Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, former Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), and a posthumous award to Brigadier General Musa Uba, in acknowledgment of their gallantry, selfless service, leadership, and immense contributions to national security and development.

The honours were bestowed during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala and Award Night, held on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja.

The event formed part of the week-long Armed Forces Remembrance activities themed “Valour, Sacrifice, and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” which commenced on January 9 with nationwide prayers and included a national symposium, humanitarian outreach, and a wreath-laying ceremony scheduled for January 15.

According to a statement by Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relations, the awards recognized exemplary acts of bravery, innovation, operational leadership, and post-service contributions across various categories.

Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff, received the Service and Sacrifice Award for his decisive leadership and selfless dedication in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres nationwide.

In the veterans’ category, retired Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai was honoured with the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award. He was commended for spearheading significant reforms and expanding the Nigerian Army’s operational capacity during his tenure as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021, as well as for his subsequent diplomatic role as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.

Brigadier General Musa Uba was posthumously awarded the Gallantry Award for his exceptional courage and frontline leadership during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State.

Brig Gen Uba, who commanded the 25 Task Force Brigade, made the supreme sacrifice in late 2025 after being ambushed and killed by insurgents while on duty in the Damboa axis. His posthumous recognition underscores the nation’s enduring commitment to honouring fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of Nigeria.

Other notable recipients included: Major General Abdulsalami Enesi Abubakar, Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, who received the Service and Sacrifice Award for exceptional operational leadership; Major General Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding 81 Division, honoured for dedication to duty; Brigadier General Usman Ahmad, awarded the Mission Success Award for repelling repeated terrorist attacks and maintaining effectiveness under pressure; Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba, who earned the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for 35 years of meritorious service and post-retirement community contributions.

In remarks at the event, President Bola Tinubu described the Armed Forces as the enduring symbol of Nigeria’s shared strength and guardians of democracy, urging continued discipline, loyalty, and unity.

He paid tribute to fallen heroes and their families, assuring that their sacrifices remain etched in the nation’s history.

The President also announced initiatives such as the Thank-A-Soldier Electronic Wall and the My Nigerian Hero Campaign to enable citizens to express gratitude to service personnel and veterans.

On behalf of the recipients, Lt Gen Buratai (rtd) expressed gratitude to President Tinubu, the Ministry of Defence, and Nigerians for supporting the military. He described the awards as a historic step in recognizing gallantry, professionalism, and sacrifice, while saluting troops on the frontlines and families of the fallen.

The gala highlighted the Federal Government’s resolve to boost military morale, welfare, and national resilience amid ongoing security challenges.

The 2026 Remembrance Week continues to emphasize collective appreciation for the Armed Forces’ role in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity.