By Joy Odor | Abuja | November 12, 2025
Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, on Wednesday, declared that the nation’s Armed Forces are entering a new era of modernization, welfare reform, and strategic consolidation, as the Ministry formally kicked off activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) in Abuja.
Speaking during a Press Briefing on the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration at the National Defence College, the Minister informed that the 2026 commemoration, themed “Valour, Sacrifice and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” represents far more than a ceremonial tradition, describing it as a renewed national covenant with the country’s defenders, past and present.
“This is more than remembrance; it is a national pledge to our heroes,” Abubakar said. “Every emblem worn is a symbol of gratitude for the men and women whose courage preserves our unity and freedom.”
Highlighting the military’s operational achievements under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abubakar revealed that troops have neutralised over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested more than 17,000 suspects, and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages across all operational theatres.
He added that over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants and their families have surrendered, marking one of the most significant security turnarounds in recent years.
“These victories are proof of the courage and professionalism of our forces and a clear signal that we are winning this war,” he declared.
In the Niger Delta, Abubakar disclosed that 1,900 illegal refining sites have been dismantled, drastically reducing crude oil theft and maritime crime.
He affirmed that despite the successes, the campaign against insecurity remains relentless until “every threat is neutralised.”
Turning attention to troop welfare, the Minister said Nigeria’s greatest military strength lies not in its weaponry but in its people.
He outlined the ‘Soldier First’ agenda, a comprehensive welfare reform package featuring upgraded barracks, improved allowances, modern healthcare access, and the establishment of the Invictus Care Centre for wounded personnel.
Abubakar further confirmed the payment of ₦18 billion in Group Life Insurance and the launch of a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre, which will digitally connect ex-service members to welfare support.
“Welfare is not charity; it is duty,” he emphasized. “Our personnel must serve with dignity and return to society with honour.”
In a sweeping policy shift, the Minister announced the Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P), a bold initiative to deploy retired veterans in securing and rebuilding communities previously ravaged by insurgency.
Through RUSEB-P, veterans will engage in farming, mining, and local security efforts to restore livelihoods and prevent a resurgence of terrorism.
“This is about transforming security gains into sustainable growth,” Abubakar said, adding that veterans “remain strategic assets in peacebuilding and nation reconstruction.”
He also confirmed that the Nigerian Legion will soon be restructured and renamed the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN) to modernize its legal framework and enhance benefits and healthcare delivery.
Over 2,100 Civil War veterans have recently been added to the pension roll correcting decades-long exclusion and restoring long-overdue dignity.
In perhaps the day’s most symbolic unveiling, Abubakar launched the ‘Thank A Soldier’ platform, a digital tribute system that allows Nigerians worldwide to write messages of gratitude to fallen heroes and serving personnel via a QR code.
“This is our way of bridging generations bringing technology, patriotism, and gratitude together,” he said.
Through the initiative, citizens can share tributes, upload photos, and recognize gallant officers directly via the Ministry’s official social media channels.
“It’s a digital bridge between citizens and the soldiers who defend them,” Abubakar said. “Every message of gratitude is a spark of morale.”
The platform, described as the first of its kind in Nigeria’s military history, transforms remembrance into a nationwide, tech-enabled movement taking patriotic engagement from parades to smartphones.
Fielding questions from journalists after the Press Conference, the Minister waded into the recent controversy involving Lieutenant Yerima, the Naval officer who reportedly clashed with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, over disputed access to a parcel of land said to belong to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (rtd).
Abubakar threw his weight behind the officer, describing him as “professional and disciplined.”
“We will always protect our officer. He has done well, and we won’t allow anything happen to him,” the Minister asserted.
The Defence Minister urged Nigerians to wear the Remembrance Emblem with pride, support the families of fallen heroes, and amplify stories of military courage beyond ceremonial observances.
“Let us honour our past, support our present, and secure our future,” Abubakar said. “Our heroes gave their lives for Nigeria; we must now live with purpose for them.”
Key Dates for 2026 Armed Forces
Remembrance Activities
Emblem Appeal Launch by President Tinubu: November 27, 2025
Humanitarian and Family Day: January 10, 2026
National Symposium: January 12, 2026
Gala & Fundraising Dinner: January 13, 2026
Wreath-Laying Ceremony (National Arcade): January 15, 2026
Bottom Line
With sweeping reforms, a new welfare architecture, and the launch of a digital tribute platform, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has reframed remembrance as both a national duty and a digital dialogue.
As the Armed Forces prepare to mark their annual day of honour, the message from Defence Headquarters is unmistakable Nigeria’s heroes will no longer be remembered in silence, but celebrated in real time by the nation they defend.
