By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
In a powerful blend of faith, ceremony, and national pride, the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army took center stage on 11 January 2026, as part of the Armed Forces Celebrations and Remembrance Day (AFCRD 2026), holding a moving Interdenominational Church Service to honor Nigeria’s fallen soldiers and celebrate the victories of its Armed Forces.
The service, hosted in Benin City, brought together a formidable gathering: personnel from the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST), the 107 Air Maritime Group of the Nigerian Air Force, the Military Hospital, and members of the Nigerian Legion, Edo State Chapter.
The occasion was a solemn yet uplifting reminder of the sacrifices made by officers and soldiers in the defense of Nigeria’s sovereignty and the pursuit of peace and security.
Leading the congregation in worship, Lieutenant Colonel (Rev) MS Dallys, the officiating preacher, set the tone with a sermon centered on the theme: “Celebration of Victory and Remembrance of the Fallen Heroes.”
Drawing inspiration from 1 Samuel 17:45–51, Rev Dallys exhorted attendees to honor the bravery and commitment of the Armed Forces while praying for continued success in ongoing operations, both domestically and internationally.
The service was a tribute not only to modern-day warriors but also to those who laid down their lives in earlier conflicts, the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, and countless internal and external peacekeeping missions.
Prayers were offered for the repose of their souls, ensuring that remembrance transcended ceremony to touch the hearts of all in attendance.
The event was marked by a meticulous display of military protocol fused with spiritual solemnity.
Major General AO Adegbite, Commandant of NASST, read the First Lesson, while Air Commodore EV Onu, Commander of 107 Air Maritime Group, delivered the Second Lesson.
Their presence underscored the joint commitment of Nigeria’s Army and Air Force to both faith and fellowship.
In his remarks, Brigadier General AO Balogun, Commander of 4 Brigade, reminded attendees that the AFCRD 2026 celebrations in Edo State had kicked off two days earlier with a special Juma’at prayer at the Headquarters 4 Brigade Mosque, reflecting the inclusivity of the Armed Forces in faith observances.
General Balogun concluded by praying for divine protection for serving, retired, and discharged personnel, while invoking God’s mercy for fallen heroes, reinforcing the central message: courage and sacrifice demand remembrance.
The Church service transcended ritual.
It became a narrative of duty, faith, and unity, a moment where soldiers, airmen, and veterans paused collectively to honor history, reflect on sacrifice, and renew their commitment to Nigeria’s peace and stability.
As the final prayers rose into the Benin skies, the assembly carried with them a renewed sense of purpose that the memory of fallen heroes is inseparable from the mission of defending the nation, and that the Armed Forces’ victories, past and present, are strengthened by unity, faith, and vigilance.
