By Harriet Tornguvan
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has officially announced the commencement of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), with the theme “Valour, Sacrifice and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes.”
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, the Minister described the annual event as one of Nigeria’s most cherished national traditions an opportunity to reflect, appreciate, and recommit to the ideals of service, unity, and sacrifice that define the Armed Forces.
"This celebration is more than a ceremonial occasion. It is a solemn national pledge of remembrance and gratitude to those who have served, those still serving, and those who paid the supreme price for our nation’s peace and unity, Badaru stated.
He lauded the courage and professionalism of the Armed Forces in the face of ongoing security challenges, noting that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry of Defence has recorded significant progress in safeguarding national security and protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
According to the Minister, over 13,000 terrorists and criminals have been neutralised, 17,000 arrested, and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued in various operations across the country since the inception of the current administration.
He added that more than 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants, along with their families, have surrendered to Nigerian troops.
In the Niger Delta region, he said, more than 1,900 illegal refining sites have been destroyed, leading to a marked reduction in oil theft and maritime crimes. These successes, he noted, are supported by ongoing military modernization, including the procurement of Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and naval vessels.
Badaru also highlighted major reforms under the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023, which aims to boost indigenous defence production and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
He reaffirmed that the welfare of military personnel remains a top priority under the “Soldier First” initiative, with improvements in allowances, barracks rehabilitation, and healthcare infrastructure such as the establishment of the Invictus Care Centre for wounded soldiers.
The Minister further disclosed plans to review the Nigerian Legion Act to establish the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN) a restructured body to better cater to ex-servicemen.
Additionally, He announced the upcoming launch of a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre to improve welfare service delivery and support.
As part of a forward-looking initiative, Badaru unveiled the “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P)”, which will engage retired, able-bodied veterans in securing and revitalizing communities previously affected by insurgency through farming, mining, and other productive ventures.
The Minister, reaffirms commitment to troops’ welfare, veterans’ support, and national security
