Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen the Nigerian Armed Forces to confront the country’s security challenges.

Shettima spoke on Jan. 9, 2026, during a special Juma’at prayer marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day at the National Mosque in Abuja, according to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications.

He paid tribute to fallen soldiers who died defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity and praised the sacrifices of serving personnel, expressing confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would deliver lasting peace.

“Our prayer is for Allah to forgive our deceased officers and men and grant their families the strength to bear the losses,” Shettima said. “We also pray that Allah continues to protect and empower our armed forces to subdue all crises bedevilling our nation.”

The January 15 observance, recently renamed Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, honours both serving personnel and fallen heroes.

The Vice President led service chiefs and senior officials at the prayers, including the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, and other top military and government leaders.