The Nigerian Contingent 3 (NIGCON 3) of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has commemorated the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day with a combined United Nations Medal Parade in Abyei.
The ceremony, held on 15 January 2026 at the Rubb Hall, Force Headquarters (FHQ) Base Camp, Abyei, was organised to honour the gallant officers and soldiers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria who paid the supreme sacrifice in the service of the nation, while also recognising the dedication, professionalism and outstanding performance of personnel of Nigerian Contingent 3 in the discharge of their UNISFA mandate.
The event was graced by the Officer-in-Charge and Acting Head of Mission/Force Commander, UNISFA, Brigadier General Umrani Ameer Muhammad, who served as the Special Guest of Honour and reviewing officer. Other dignitaries in attendance included the Chief of Mission Support, Ms Chinyere Odenigbo; representatives of the Chief Administrator of Abyei; the Paramount Ruler of Abyei; senior national monitors of Sudan and South Sudan; contingent commanders; staff officers; military observers; members of other contingents; and representatives of the Abyei community.
In his opening remarks, the Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Mukaila Zakari Dikko, described the Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day as a solemn moment for reflection on the sacrifices of fallen heroes and a reaffirmation of commitment to the core values of duty, loyalty and selfless service.
He highlighted the critical role of Nigerian Contingent 3 as the Base Defence Company responsible for the security of the UNISFA Force Headquarters, noting that the responsibility is being discharged with professionalism, discipline and dedication.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the wreath-laying ritual in honour of departed heroes. Wreaths were laid by the Special Guest of Honour, the Chief of Mission Support, the Paramount Ruler of Abyei, the Contingent Commander, and representatives of the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force. Other activities included the inspection of guards, signing of the event register and the presentation of a souvenir to the Special Guest of Honour.
The ceremony also featured the United Nations Medal Parade, during which officers and soldiers of Nigerian Contingent 3, staff officers and military observers were decorated with the UN Medal in recognition of their meritorious service, commitment and valuable contributions to the achievement of the UNISFA mandate.
Delivering the keynote address, Brigadier General Umrani Ameer Muhammad commended Nigerian Contingent 3 for its professionalism, operational effectiveness and strong civil-military relations. He urged all peacekeepers to remain steadfast in upholding the ideals of the United Nations and the collective pursuit of sustainable peace.
In a press statement signed by Captain Ahmed Zainab Abubakar, Administrative Officer, Nigerian Contingent 3, UNISFA, the combined ceremony was described as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s enduring commitment to global peace and security, while celebrating the timeless values of sacrifice, honour, courage and service that define the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
