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Plateau Government Commemorates 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Jos
The Plateau State Government on Thursday, January 15, 2026, joined the rest of the country to commemorate the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day with a solemn ceremony held at the J.D. Gowon Secretariat, Jos.
Armed Forces Remembrance Day, observed annually on January 15, honours officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces who paid the supreme price in defence of Nigeria’s unity, peace and territorial integrity, as well as those wounded or permanently incapacitated in the line of duty.
The ceremony featured interdenominational prayers for fallen heroes and lasting peace in the country, followed by the laying of wreaths, a 21-gun salute, the sounding of the Last Post and a minute of silence in honour of departed servicemen and women. Activities later culminated in a luncheon at the Headquarters of 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.
Speaking at the luncheon held at the Rhino Officers Mess, Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Ngo Josephine Piyo, described the occasion as a solemn tribute to the courage, sacrifice and resilience of Nigeria’s armed forces.
The governor said Plateau State remained proud of its long-standing tradition of military service and acknowledged the critical role played by the armed forces in maintaining peace and security. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the military through sustained collaboration, provision of necessary resources and strengthened civil-military relations.
Governor Mutfwang also emphasised the need to care for veterans and their families, noting that the sacrifices of soldiers extend beyond the battlefield to their loved ones. He called for continued support in areas such as healthcare, education and employment for retired personnel.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander, Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Folunsho Oyinlola, described Armed Forces Remembrance Day as a moral obligation to honour fallen heroes and appreciate serving personnel.
He noted that the day serves as a reminder that peace is neither passive nor free, but sustained through sacrifice, professionalism and commitment. According to him, Operation Enduring Peace reflects the resolve of the armed forces to protect communities, safeguard stability and prevent conflict.
Major General Oyinlola paid tribute to veterans and families of fallen soldiers, assuring them that their sacrifices would never be forgotten. He also commended the men and women under his command for their discipline, courage and dedication to duty amid evolving security challenges.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Plateau State, Colonel Adams Donzhi (rtd.), expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Government for its continued support to the Legion and veterans. He called for sustained care for widows, orphans and families of fallen heroes, urging all sectors of society to contribute to their welfare.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for peace, unity and prosperity in Nigeria, alongside renewed calls for collective support for the nation’s armed forces and veterans.
President Donald Trump on Saturday posted footage of Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Plateau State, conducting a mass burial for victims of a terrorist attack, while calling on the United Nations and the United States to stop the killing of Christians in Nigeria.
Mr Trump posted the video on Truth Social without adding any text.
In the video, Mr Dachomo, a cleric known for speaking out against alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria, is seen lamenting as he buries his church members killed in attacks in a mass grave.
“Look at it today. Is there any Muslim here?” Mr Dachomo said, pointing to scores of corpses piled in a mass grave as he conducted the mass burial.
Calling on the international community to stop the alleged killing of Christians in Nigeria, Mr Dachomo said: “United Nations, I know you are watching me. American Senate, I know you are watching what I am doing here. Please tell Trump to save our lives in Nigeria. They are killing Christians in Nigeria. They are massacring Christians.”
Mr Trump’s posting of the video comes a day after U.S. and Nigerian forces eliminated ISIS second-in-command Abu-Bilal al-Manuki and his fighters in an airstrike.
The government of Mr Trump had said that the execution of Mr Al-Manuki and his foot soldiers on Nigerian soil was a reminder that American forces will go after enemies of the country and those killing Christians around the world.
“So, for months, we hunted this top ISIS leader in Nigeria who was killing Christians, and we killed him — and his entire posse,” U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on X, praising American and Nigerian forces for the successful operation.
He added, “Operations like last night’s demonstrate the exceptional lethality, patience and skill of U.S. forces, amplified alongside willing and capable partners, to address shared threats. This should serve as a reminder that we will hunt down those who wish to harm Americans or innocent Christians, wherever they are.”
The killing of Mr Al-Manuki comes five months after Mr Trump ordered airstrikes against terrorists in their enclave in Sokoto State on December 25, 2025, following a months-long campaign over alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria.
Though the Nigerian government has repeatedly denied allegations of a Christian genocide in the country, it confirmed that it collaborated with U.S. forces to eliminate Mr Al-Manuki.
Mr Trump had also redesignated Nigeria as a country of particular concern last year, warning of continued military action against terrorists in Africa’s most populous country.
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