Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to strengthen and empower the Nigerian Armed Forces to overcome the security challenges confronting the country.

Shettima gave the assurance on Friday at a special Juma’at prayer held at the National Mosque to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima paid glowing tribute to fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of Nigeria’s territorial integrity, as well as to serving personnel safeguarding the lives and property of citizens across the country.

January 15 is observed annually by the Federal Government to honour the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

The armed forces recently redesignated the observance as “Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day,” replacing the former “Armed Forces Remembrance Day,” to reflect its dual purpose of honouring serving officers and remembering fallen heroes.

Addressing worshippers during the special prayers, the Vice President acknowledged the sacrifices of the military and other security agencies and expressed optimism that, under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria would witness enduring peace and prosperity.

“Our prayer is for Allah to forgive the rest of our deceased officers and men, and may God grant their families the fortitude to bear the irreparable losses,” Shettima said.

He further prayed for divine protection and empowerment for the armed forces to surmount the nation’s security challenges, expressing confidence that peace would prevail in due course.

“We pray to the Almighty Allah to continue to protect and empower our armed forces to subdue all the crises that are bedevilling our nation. And, in sha Allah, in the fullness of time, we shall have enduring peace and prosperity in Nigeria,” the Vice President added.

The Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day is marked nationwide with prayers and ceremonies to honour serving personnel and remember officers and men who lost their lives in the line of duty. (The Nation)