The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has received “Service and Sacrifice Award” for exemplifying selfless service and providing decisive leadership in counter-insurgency and internal security operations across multiple theatres.
Shaibu was honoured by the Federal Government, alongside 13 other serving personnel and veterans of the Nigerian Army, in recognition of their gallantry, sacrifice, innovation, exemplary leadership, and post-service contributions to national development.
The various awards were conferred on them during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Gala Night held at the Banquet Hall, State House on Tuesday.
Other recipients of the Service and Sacrifice Award include Maj-Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai and Maj.-Gen. Faruk Mijinyawa, former General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos, for their exceptional operational leadership and dedication to duty.
Brig.-Gen. Musa Uba was honoured with the Gallantry Award for displaying exceptional courage and leading troops from the front during counter-insurgency operations in Borno State, while Brig.-Gen. Usman Ahmad received the Mission Success Award for his critical role in repelling repeated terrorist attacks and sustaining operational effectiveness under intense pressure.
In the area of innovation, Col. Ibrahim Gero received the Innovation Award for developing and deploying a redesigned ballistic gunboat that significantly enhanced operational effectiveness in support of Operation Delta Safe.
Late Col. B Umaru was posthumously awarded the Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) Excellence Award for his outstanding intelligence leadership during Operation Hadin Kai, while late Lt.-Col. Thomas Alari received the Fallen Heroes Award for his gallantry and pivotal role in major counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.
In the veterans’ category, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd), was honoured with the Legacy (Service and Sacrifice) Award for his reforms and expansion of operational capacity during his tenure from 2015 to 2021, as well as his subsequent diplomatic service as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.
Also honoured was Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman (rtd), who received the Sentinel of Freedom Award for his contributions to strategic military communication, peacekeeping operations and sustained advocacy for veterans’ welfare, national security and civic values.
Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Aliyu (rtd) received the Phoenix Award for resilience and exceptional leadership, having continued to render distinguished service despite being wounded in action during counter-insurgency operations.
Col. Olubunmi Oyekola (rtd) was honoured with the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for successfully translating military discipline and logistics expertise into a thriving catering and hospitality enterprise, while Col. Bartholomew Ogbonna (rtd) received the Community Champion Award for his commitment to grassroots development, healthcare support, water projects and youth mobilisation for service in the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Master Warrant Officer Manu Garba was also awarded the Distinguished Citizen Service Medal for his 35 years of meritorious service in the Nigerian Army and his sustained post-retirement community development initiatives.
