Gombe State on Thursday commemorated the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day with the official launching of the emblem and the laying of wreaths in honour of fallen heroes at the Pantami Township Stadium, Gombe.
This was contained in a statement signed by Jack.A.Tasha,Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,(Deputy Governor’s Office), made available to newsmen.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manassah Daniel Jatau, Ph.D, paid glowing tribute to members of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies who sacrificed their lives for the unity, peace and security of the nation.
Dr. Jatau noted that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, first observed in Nigeria in January 1970 after the civil war, has remained a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by gallant officers and men who paid the supreme price in defence of the country.
He described peace as indispensable to human development and called on all residents of Gombe State to actively support security agencies through cooperation and timely intelligence sharing.
The Deputy Governor emphasised that security should not be left solely to law enforcement agencies, urging citizens to report suspicious movements promptly, stressing that suspicion itself is not a crime.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Armed Forces, Police, Civil Defence, Customs, Immigration, NDLEA, DSS and other security formations for sustaining peace in Gombe State.Highlighting recent developments in modern warfare,
Dr. Jatau called for the expansion of the scope of the Remembrance Day to formally recognise all law enforcement agents and volunteers involved in combating insurgency and insecurity across the country.
At the event, the Gombe State Government announced that it had already transferred the sum of ₦6 million into the account of the Nigerian Legion, Gombe State Chapter, in support of veterans, widows and orphans of fallen heroes.
The Deputy Governor urged the leadership of the Legion to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilisation of the funds while also encouraging them to engage in sustainable ventures to support their members. He announced a personal donation of Two Million Naira only.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Alhaji Hassan Babayo Abubakar, described the occasion as a moment of sober reflection and gratitude to fallen heroes who served during the World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, peacekeeping missions and the ongoing war against insurgency.
He commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Legion and appealed to residents to show solidarity by purchasing and wearing the remembrance emblems with pride.
In his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Gombe State Chapter, Master Warrant Officer (Rtd.) Umar Buba Modibbo, called for sustained support for veterans and their families, revealing that Gombe State has over 1,000 widows of fallen heroes and more than 500 able-bodied veterans willing to continue serving the nation.
He disclosed that the National Headquarters of the Nigerian Legion had approved the establishment of the Corps of Commissionaires to further support the security architecture of states, including Gombe.
The programme featured a minute of silence in honour of fallen heroes, including the late Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Lt. Col. Abdullahi Bello (Rtd.), the official launching of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem, and the laying of wreaths by government officials and security chiefs in remembrance of those who paid the supreme price for the nation.
The ceremony was attended by top government functionaries, including the Speaker, State House of Assembly , RT Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, the Secretary to the state Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Head of Civil Service, Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, Honourable Commissioners ,Special Advisers and some Traditional Rulers,and Security Chiefs , members of the Nigerian Legion, widows and families of fallen heroes, and members of the press.
