Armed Forces Mark AFCRD 2026 with Interdenominational Church Service in Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria — January 14, 2026

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, joined the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General OO Oluyede, other Service Chiefs, and well-meaning Nigerians at an Interdenominational Church Service organised as part of activities marking the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) 2026.

The COAS was represented at the solemn service by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army), Major General OS Abai. The church service provided an avenue for thanksgiving, prayers, and reflection in honour of fallen heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice in defence of Nigeria’s sovereignty and unity, while also seeking divine guidance and protection for serving personnel.

Also in attendance were Principal Staff Officers from Defence and Service Headquarters, senior officers both serving and retired, as well as members of the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Association (DEPOWA), the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), and other associations and bodies from the sister services.
The main AFCRD 2026 event is scheduled to hold on January 15 at Eagle Square, Abuja, with commemorative activities taking place simultaneously across the 36 states of the federation.