CDS at AFCRD 2026: Weight of Our Gratitude to Our Fallen Heroes Incalculable

• Buratai seeks expanded, well-equipped police

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyode, paid a moving tribute to Nigeria’s fallen heroes during the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) 2026, describing their sacrifice as immeasurable and eternally honoured.

In his address, Oluyode acknowledged the courage, dedication, and selflessness of service members, who gave their lives in the line of duty, emphasising that the nation owes them a debt of gratitude that cannot be quantified.

He called on both citizens and the mili-tary establishment to remember their legacy, uphold the values they defended, and continue to support the armed forces in safeguarding the country’s peace, security and prosperity.

Oluyode said, “On this solemn and historic occasion of AFCRD 2026, we gather as a nation to honour the extraordinary bravery and sacrifices of the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“This day serves as a poignant reminder of the heavy price paid for the peace and liberty we enjoy today. We pay our deepest respects to our fallen heroes, those valiant souls who laid down their lives to safeguard the unity and sovereignty of our great nation.

“Their ‘today’ was given for our ‘tomorrow’, and their legacy of courage remains etched in the annals of our nation’s history forever. Their devotion to duty was not a mishap but a calling to patriotism; hence, the weight of our gratitude remains incalculable.”

Oluyode also remembered the families of fallen soldiers, acknowledging the strength and resilience they have shown in the face of profound loss.

He said, “Although we cannot replace the departed, we will never renege on our efforts to ensure that their legacies endure, and they shall forever be honoured by posterity.”

Addressing troops currently serving across various theatres of operation, the CDS commended their unwavering dedication, often under the most challenging and perilous conditions. He stated that their professionalism and loyalty had continued to strengthen Nigeria’s security.

Oluyode stated, “As your Chief of Defence Staff, I am immensely proud of your commitment to discipline, selfless service, and the protection of our nation’s freedom and democracy. Your battle scars are a silent testament to your courage and devotion.”

The CDS assured that the armed forces would continue to safeguard national security at all times, stressing that threats, whether domestic or trans-border, would be decisively addressed.

He reaffirmed that the welfare of personnel remained a top priority, guided by his Military Strategic Philosophy, “To consolidate the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria through enhanced jointness for a reinforced operational posture, supported by improved welfare efforts and sound administration, ensuring the Armed Forces maintain its core military fundamentals in guaranteeing Nigeria’s sovereignty and prosperity.”

Oluyode also expressed his profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his strategic guidance and unwavering support, assuring the country of the armed forces’ enduring commitment to defending democratic values and maintaining peace.

He extended special gratitude to military families, especially spouses, who had held the home front with courage and resilience.

The CDS appealed to all Nigerians to reflect on the significance of the day, to foster national unity, and reject divisive rhetoric.

He stated, “As you wear the remembrance emblem, do so with pride, knowing it symbolises a debt of gratitude to the labours of our forebears and the unsung heroes who keep us safe.

“Together, we honour the past, celebrate present achievements, and work towards a future defined by peace, stability, and prosperity for every Nigerian.

“May the souls of our fallen heroes rest in eternal peace.”

Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai (rtd.), called for a significantly expanded and well-equipped Nigeria Police to take full responsibility for internal security, in order to reduce the country’s reliance on the military for routine policing duties.

Buratai made the remarks in Abuja while delivering a lecture at the National Symposium/Lecture Series held in commemoration of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), titled, “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development.”

He stressed that the police should be professionalised under a funded, multi-year plan to achieve a strength of around 1.5 million officers, thereby ensuring they could independently manage internal security responsibilities.

Buratai also called for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s security and governance architecture to safeguard the country’s long-term security and stability.

He urged the repositioning of the armed forces as a catalyst for national development, while advocating a strategic focus on high-intensity combat and external defence.

The former ambassador to Benin Republic outlined five key policy recommendations to translate Nigeria’s defence vision into actionable outcomes.

He proposed the establishment of a National Defence Innovation Fund (NDIF), leveraging public-private partnerships to finance research and development in critical dual-use technologies, such as cyber defence, unmanned aerial systems, satellite communications, and renewable energy solutions for forward operating bases.

He stated that such a framework would ensure defence spending drove innovation within the civilian technology sector.

On human capital development, Buratai called for a revised National Service and Veterans’ Framework, transforming the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) into a mandatory National Service Scheme with both military and civic tracks to promote skill acquisition, national cohesion, and post-service employment opportunities.

He urged the passage of a Veterans’ Rights and Transition Act to guarantee timely pensions, healthcare access, skills conversion programmes, and legal protections for retired personnel.

The ex-COAS also recommended institutionalising permanent Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) directorates within the Ministry of Defence and service headquarters to ensure structured collaboration with civilian ministries in post-conflict development, while preventing mission creep by the military.

On regional security, Buratai emphasised the need for strengthened multilateral cooperation through frameworks, such as the Multinational Joint Task Force and the Gulf of Guinea maritime security architecture.