By KINGSLEY OMONOBI, ABUJA
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan yesterday led top government officials to lay wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldier in commemoration of this year’s armed forces remembrance day.

The armed forces remembrance day celebration, to appreciate the efforts of thousands of military personnel who died in the cause of fighting to defend the nation and keep it as one, was observed with a ceremonial parade jointly formed by officers of the Nigeria Army, the Navy, the Airforce and men of the Legion.

At the National Arcade where the wreath laying took place, there was heavy security presence as the entire three Arms Zone was cordoned off with bomb disposal experts and military personnel from the three services thoroughly screening anybody that came for the ceremony.

Jonathan  laid the wreath first, followed by Vice President. Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, Speaker of the House of Reps, Dimeji Bankole, the minister of defence, Adetokumbo Kayode and the commissioner for peace and security in the African Union, Mr. Rafik Ramala.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ola Saad Ibrahim; Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Dikko Umar; the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Abubakar Ringim and the chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Colonel Gaya (rtd) then took turns to lay wreaths.

Highlights of the occasion were the firing of a 21 gun-salute and the symbolic release of pigeons  into the air from a cage by the president  signifying that peace and unity shall reign in the land.

Meantime, the Nigerian Airforce provided aerial surveillance for the duration of the ceremony with its Augusta helicopter making daring flights around the arcade and Eagle Square.