TEXT OF A PRESS BRIEFING BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTER OF DEFENCE, MOHAMMED BADARU ABUBAKAR, CON, mni, TO KICKSTART THE 2026 ARMED FORCES CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE DAY, HELD AT SANI ABACHA HALL, NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE ABUJA, ON 2 NOVEMBER 12, 2025
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1. It is my profound honour and privilege to welcome you all to this press briefing, marking the formal commencement of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD). This event remains one of Nigeria’s most respected national traditions marking a period of deep reflection, profound gratitude and renewed commitment to the ideals of service, sacrifice and unity that define our Armed Forces.
2. The theme of the 2026 AFCRD, “Valour, Sacrifice and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” powerfully captures the spirit of service, heroism and patriotism that guides our military. It reminds every Nigerian that the liberty, relative peace, and stability we enjoy are secured daily through the courage and sacrifices of our men and women in uniform including those who serve, those who have served and especially those who paid the supreme price.
3. This annual celebration is more than a ceremonial occasion; it is a solemn national pledge of remembrance and gratitude. It honours the unwavering sacrifices of our soldiers, sailors and airmen who have steadfastly defended the unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria. Furthermore, it allows us to recognise their vital contributions to peacekeeping, humanitarian and nation-building efforts across Africa and globally, under the auspices of the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
4. It is against this sanctified backdrop of continuous service that we must address the present realities. While we acknowledge that myriad security challenges continue to face our nation, it is crucial to place on record the exceptional skill, courage and professionalism demonstrated by our Armed Forces. Accordingly, we choose to celebrate their concrete achievements and the positive impact of their efforts in restoring stability, safeguarding the lives of citizens and strengthening the essential bond between the military and the Nigerian people.
5. Under the steadfast leadership and direction of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the Ministry of Defence has achieved significant operational milestones in safeguarding national security and protecting territorial integrity. Through improved synergy among the Services and security agencies, we have recorded remarkable successes across all theatres.
6. The data speaks for itself, within the tenure of this administration, our troops have neutralized over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested more than 17,000 and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages. Over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants and their families have surrendered. These coordinated operations have led to the dismantling of key terrorist enclaves, the neutralization of notorious bandit commanders and the restoration of peace to hundreds of communities, allowing displaced persons to return home. Our commitment to securing Nigeria’s vital economic assets is equally evident in the South-South, where over 1,900 illegal refining sites were destroyed. These relentless efforts have not only reduced crude oil theft but have also reduced the occurrence of maritime-related crimes. These expanding operational capabilities are underpinned by significant strategic modernization. Let me be clear that despite these successes, the remnants of criminal elements still pose threats to our peace and security. Accordingly, the President has consistently directed the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces to sustain ongoing operations and intensify efforts until all remaining threats are eliminated. However, the task is not for the government alone. This is why we are strengthening a whole-of-society approach that brings together government, civil society, traditional institutions, academia, and the private sector in a common front against insecurity.
7. The signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act in 2023 marks a milestone in indigenous defence production, positioning Nigeria as an emerging hub for defence technology in the region. Coupled with the procurement of advanced platforms, including Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and naval vessels, this modernization enhances our operational readiness and will eventually reduce our reliance on imports. Regionally and internationally, Nigeria has deepened cooperation through active participation in high-level forums and maintained crucial peacekeeping deployments in countries like Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and South Sudan.
8. But the ultimate strength of any military resides in its personnel, not just its platforms. Therefore, the welfare of our troops remains a non-negotiable priority, anchoring the “Soldier First” initiative. This administration continues to implement a series of welfare measures to ensure that our personnel serve under dignified and supportive conditions. Initiatives include the upward review of the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) and significant investments in modernizing barracks facilities to provide safe and comfortable living environments.
9. We have focused equally on the critical areas of healthcare and the dignity of service. This includes the establishment of the Invictus Care Centre, a top-tier medical facility for wounded personnel and the upgrade of several military hospitals. Moreover, the payment of ₦18 billion in Group Life Insurance benefits and the introduction of the Debarment Allowance are other strategic steps designed to reinforce the dignity of veterans and prevent the misuse of their valuable skills against national interests.
10. Beyond active service, we are strengthening support for our esteemed veterans through digital innovation, including the establishment of a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre. This initiative, which will be formally launched as part of the AFCRD 2026 activities, will provide a central platform for efficient service delivery, improved response time to grievances and highly targeted welfare support.
11. To further reposition the support structure for ex-service members, we are constituting a committee to review the Nigerian Legion Act, seeking to rename it the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN). This critical reform will strengthen the legal framework for veterans’ benefits and reintegration programmes. In a powerful demonstration of fairness and national reconciliation, the Ministry has successfully enrolled 2,141 Civil War veterans who fought on the Nigerian side but retired before meeting the stipulated pension qualifying years, ensuring all sacrifices are duly recognized. We are also intensifying healthcare support for both veterans and serving personnel through Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), which now serves over 400,000 enrollees, including more than 205,000 veterans and their families, guaranteeing comprehensive primary, secondary and tertiary care across every state.
12. However, our strategic vision extends beyond immediate support; it encompasses the long-term, impactful engagement of our seasoned veterans. To this end, the Ministry is developing a critical new initiative named the “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P).” This programme is strategically designed to leverage the expertise of retired, agile military veterans to restore security and promote economic development in previously insurgent-occupied areas. By engaging veterans to reinforce local security and initiate projects like farming and mining, RUSEB-P will prevent the resurgence of terrorism, revitalize local economies, and strengthen national security and cohesion. A dedicated Committee is currently finalizing the implementation framework.
13. This forward-looking approach underscores the significance of the event we commence today. Distinguished audience, today’s briefing marks the formal commencement of a deeply meaningful AFCRD 2026. This year, we are introducing an innovative platform called the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code. This digital initiative enables Nigerians at home and abroad to send personalized messages of appreciation and encouragement to our serving troops and pay tributes to the fallen. The “Thank A Soldier” QR Code will be launched immediately following this briefing, aligning with our drive to modernize engagement through digital inclusion and youth participation.
14. Other activities lined up for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day include:
a. National Emblem Appeal Launch by Mr President: Wednesday, 27 November 2025.
b. Religious Services: Special Jumaat Service (Friday, 9 January 2026) and Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service (Sunday, 11 January 2026).
c. Humanitarian Outreach and Family/Community Day: Saturday, 10 January 2026, highlighting the military’s humanitarian face.
d. National Symposium and Lecture Series: Monday, 12 January 2026, themed: “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development.”
e. Gala and Fundraising Dinner: Tuesday, 13 January 2026, to support the Armed Forces Foundation.
f. Continuation of Medical Outreach and Free Day: Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
g. National Wreath-Laying Ceremony: The climax of the commemoration, Thursday, 15 January 2026 – Armed Forces Remembrance Day Proper, at the National Arcade, Abuja and simultaneously across all States.
15. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as the nation prepares for these days of reflection and unity, I call upon all Nigerians to honour our gallant men and women who embody valour, discipline and unity, which are the very pillars of our democracy and symbols of our sovereignty.
16. Let us wear the Remembrance Emblem with pride, support the families of our heroes, and uphold the spirit of sacrifice that defines our Armed Forces. I urge the media to give this year’s commemoration wide and impactful coverage to celebrate their service and inspire national unity.
17. Distinguished audience, on behalf of the Ministry, I thank His Excellency, the President and Commander-in-Chief, for his unwavering leadership and support under the Renewed Hope Agenda. Together, let us honour our past, support our present, and secure our future, reaffirming our commitment to a stronger, safer, and more united Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you for listening. God bless our Armed Forces and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
