The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening the Nigerian Armed Forces in order to confront the country’s growing security challenges.
Vice President Kashim Shettima conveyed the assurance on Friday during a special Jumma’a prayer at the National Mosque in Abuja, held ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
January 15 is observed annually by the Federal Government to honour personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). The military recently renamed the occasion from Armed Forces Remembrance Day to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day to reflect its dual focus on celebrating serving officers and remembering fallen heroes.
Speaking at the prayer session, Shettima reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s resolve to equip and support the armed forces to effectively address insecurity across the country. He paid tribute to soldiers who lost their lives defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that their sacrifices were instrumental in protecting lives and property.
The Vice President’s remarks come amid renewed international attention on Nigeria’s security situation, following comments by United States President Donald Trump, who warned of possible further U.S. airstrikes if attacks on Christians persist.
Trump, according to Reuters, made the remarks in an interview with the New York Times, even as the Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims that Christians face systematic persecution in the country.
