By: John Bassey, Zamfara.

The Government of Zamfara state under the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal has mourned the soul of the galant soldiers who were killed by bandits in the past decade of insurgency that bedevilled the state in the past decade.

Governor Dauda Lawal commemorated with the Nigerian Legion and the serving members of the military and paramilitary as he joined dignitaries across Nigeria to mark the January 15th 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration in Zamfara state.

The ceremony took place at Zamfara Trade fair Complex in Gusau the state capital.

In his words the Executive Governor of Zamfara state Dr. Dauda Lawal represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada said , today, we gather on this solemn and historic occasion to commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day—a day set aside to honour the fallen heroes of our Armed Forces, men and women who paid the supreme price in defence of our dear state and nation’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

This annual remembrance is not merely ceremonial; it is a sacred duty and a moment of deep reflection. It reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism of our gallant officers and soldiers who laid down their lives so that we may live in peace and security.

On behalf of the Government and the good people of Zamfara State, I pay glowing tribute to all fallen heroes of the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and other security agencies who served our nation with honour and distinction. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and their memories shall remain evergreen in the hearts of a grateful nation.

Ladies and gentlemen, Zamfara State has, in recent years, borne a heavy burden of insecurity. In the face of banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities, our Armed Forces and security personnel have stood firm, often at great personal risk. Many of our brave sons and daughters have paid the ultimate price in the course of restoring peace and stability to our communities. Today, we salute their courage and reaffirm our collective resolve to build a safer and more prosperous Zamfara State.

I wish to use this opportunity to reassure our security agencies of the unwavering support and cooperation of the Zamfara State Government. We remain committed to working closely with the Federal Government, the Armed Forces, and other security stakeholders to strengthen security operations, improve logistics and welfare, and enhance intelligence-driven strategies aimed at safeguarding lives and property.

To the families of our fallen heroes—especially the widows, widowers, and children left behind—we share in your pain and loss. Your loved ones did not die in vain. They died in service to humanity and in defence of our collective future. I assure you that the Zamfara State Government will continue to support initiatives aimed at improving the welfare and wellbeing of families of fallen heroes.

As we laid wreaths today in honour of our fallen heroes, let us also recommit ourselves to the ideals for which they stood: unity, selflessness, discipline, and patriotism. Let us work together, across ethnic, religious, and political lines, to promote peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding in our dear state and nation.

In conclusion, I call on all citizens of Zamfara State to continue to support our Armed Forces and security agencies through cooperation, timely information-sharing, and respect for constituted authority. Together, we can overcome our challenges and build a Zamfara State where peace, justice, and development shall reign. May the souls of our departed heroes rest in perfect peace, and may Almighty God continue to bless Zamfara State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.