The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that January 15 will be officially marked as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day across the country. The decision, made public on Monday, is aimed at recognizing the contributions of the Nigerian Armed Forces and honoring the sacrifices of service members who have given their lives in defense of the nation.

According to an official statement from the DHQ, the day will feature commemorative events, parades, and ceremonies across all military formations. The headquarters emphasized that the observances will serve both as a celebration of the achievements of the armed forces and as a platform for reflecting on the challenges and risks associated with national security operations.

The statement noted, “January 15 has been designated as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day to acknowledge the unwavering dedication of our military personnel and to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our nation.” Authorities highlighted that the day is intended to foster national unity, patriotism, and public appreciation of the military’s role in maintaining peace and security.

The DHQ also encouraged civilians, community leaders, and government agencies to participate in the observances, stressing that public involvement would strengthen civil-military relations and support broader efforts to enhance national cohesion. Security and operational guidelines for the celebrations will be coordinated by the Defence Headquarters, ensuring that all events are conducted safely and in accordance with existing regulations.

Officials noted that the new designation of January 15 provides an annual opportunity for Nigerians to honor the armed forces collectively, with activities planned to take place nationwide, including educational programs, awards ceremonies, and public lectures on military history and service.