The Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day, an annual event observed every January 15 to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the Nigerian Armed Forces who lost their lives and limbs in active service to the nation, is a day to honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes, veterans, and their families. The day has come and gone, leaving behind it a trail of bad smoke and dust injurious to health!
The concept of Remembrance Day originated after World War I (1914 to 1918) to honour soldiers who lost their lives during the war. The Commonwealth of Nations traditionally observed this day on November 11 (Armistice Day), marking the end of the war in 1918.
Nigeria, a former British colony, adopted the observance of Remembrance Day to honour soldiers who served and died during the two World Wars, particularly those in the West African Frontier Force, WAFF.
In 1970, following the end of the Nigerian Civil War (1967 to 1970), the date of the observance was changed from November 11 to January 15 by General Yakubu Gowon after Colonel Ojukwu fled into exile, and General Philip Effiong, the acting head of Biafra, formally surrendered to the Nigerian government.
This shift was to commemorate the end of the two world wars, to recognise, appreciate and to honour the contributions of those who fought to preserve the country’s unity (veterans), lost their lives in the civil wars, peacekeeping missions, national assignments, and retired military personnel who served the nation diligently. Other worthy and lofty ideas behind the armed forces Remembrance Day include:
i. To provide moral support and assistance to the families of fallen soldiers, including widows, widowers, and orphans.
ii. To foster national unity and inspire patriotism by highlighting the sacrifices made by fallen heroes and veterans.
iii. To encourage a better understanding and collaboration between the military and civilian populations.
The lined-up activities of the day nationwide are, interdenominational and Islamic prayers for the fallen, laying of wreaths at the cenotaphs, observance of two minutes of silence, military parades and gun salutes, and most importantly fundraising (for veterans, retired soldiers and the families of deceased personnel)
Let’s Separate the Wheat from the Chaff
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The Liberian Civil War (1989 to 2003) and the Sierra Leone Civil War (1991 to 2002) were two theatres and interconnected brutal ethnic conflicts in West Africa characterized by horrific atrocities, immense human suffering, destruction, massive displacement, cross-border refugee flows and regional instability. Nigeria through her veterans played a pivotal and leading role in these crises through the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) and United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), committing significant resources including military and personnel thus showcasing her commitment to regional peace, security, stability, sacrifice and democratic transition.
These impressive veterans include, General Yakubu Gowon, General Ibrahim Babangida (1985 to 1993), General Sani Abacha (1993 to 1998), General Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998 to 1999), and General Olusegun Obasanjo (1999 to 2007), made Nigeria great and placed her in the limelight.
The disconnect between legacy and reality
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by past and some present Nigeria’s armed forces personnel in securing the nation’s sovereignty, peace, and stability. It is a day that underscores the values of service, courage, valour, sense of duty, sacrifice, selflessness, and patriotism in the face of national and global challenges.
Alas that seems not to be the present situation. Tt has become necessary to critically evaluate the current state of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Today, there is a growing disconnect between the honour of the past and the harsh realities faced presently. The celebration of their sacrifice has been overshadowed by issues of neglect, exploitation, self-serving opportunism, apathy and inequality that must no longer be ignored.
Examples abound. Recently, precisely January 7, 2025, Nigerians woke up to a bitter- in- the -mouth headline titled: “Federal Government has approved a (Wicked) pension and retirement package for officers and enlisted Personnel in the Nigerian Armed Forces”. Inclusive in the package in a graduated fashion, ranges from more than $20,000 (not naira) medical allowance, bullet-proof Toyota Land Cruiser SUV or two Toyota Hilux vehicles, along with $20,000 annual medical treatment; two cooks, two stewards; four residential guards and two Peugeot 508 or an equivalent vehicle as backup which are to be replaced every four years and maintained by the military; special or personal assistants, three service drivers, a service orderly, with escorts provided as necessary by relevant military units, two service cooks, two stewards, one civilian gardener and residential guards. This is yet another form of wanton pillage and carting away of the nation’s resources by a select few which is akin to bribery to forestall the replication of the welcomed development in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
As the government sets its sights on securing a second term, it may do good to remind the approver and beneficiaries that this is certainly #EndBadGovernance and goes against Chapter II (Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy) of Section 16 (1a to c) and Section (2a to d) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The question of priorities
While the Generals continue to enjoy the perks of power, including lavish allowances, annual medical trips, and periodic luxury SUVs, the rank-and-file soldiers are left to struggle. These soldiers, many of whom have been injured or maimed in battle, are often neglected, with no meaningful support for their recovery. Cases of soldiers recuperating at the 44 Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna are disturbing: many soldiers who lost limbs or sustained severe injuries are left without proper nutrition or adequate medical attention. The basic dignity of these soldiers is overlooked in favour of luxuries for those at the top.
Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking and troubling issues is the treatment of military pensioners. Recently, former service members took to the streets, protesting the non-payment of their pensions.
These men and women, who sacrificed and risked their lives in defence of the country, are now being denied the financial security they were promised upon retirement. Their demonstration outside the Ministry of Finance stands as a stark reminder of the government’s failure to uphold its commitments to those who served.
Also heartbreaking is that Boko Haram, ISWAP, bandits of all shades, kidnappers of all colours and insurgents have continued to run amok, stealing crude oil, destroying oil pipelines, causing havoc, immense loss of lives and properties with no one coming to the aid of the victims, and we ask why prioritise such huge luxury to a select few over the constitutional basic needs of ordinary Nigerians and justice for victims?
Additionally, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute – (SIPRI Fact Sheet) and Macrotrends provide reliable, up-to-date data derived from the NATO definition on global military spending, including all current and capital expenditures(military and civil personnel, inclusive of retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel, operation and maintenance, procurement, military research and development), military aid , arms transfers, military procurement, nuclear forces, and conflict dynamics which shows that in 2024 alone Nigeria expended the sum of USD$3.2 billion. This is assuming no other monies were expended on the armed forces and security items through some other ways-and-means.
The pull out
With such capacity, enormous resources, and out-of-this-world-luxury, how come Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency, banditry and kidnapping still persist from 2009 to date?
From the last Armed Forces Remembrance Day, let us ponder on a long overdue need to re-christen the day as Fallen Heroes and Veterans Remembrance Day; looks more befitting!
