.... Minister Badaru Flags Off 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day Activities
... Badaru Prioritises Welfare Under ‘Soldier First’ Policy
..Highlights Major Security Gains, Welfare Reforms, and New Veteran Empowerment Initiatives
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has emphasized that personnel welfare remains central to the government’s “Soldier First” initiative as ₦18 billion has been paid in Group Life Insurance benefits while 2,141 Civil War veterans who retired before qualifying for pension, have been enrolled by the Ministry of Defence, ensuring their service is duly recognized.
Badaru Abubakar made this know ln on Wednesday when he formally kicked off the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) with a call for national unity, reflection, and appreciation for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s military personnel.
He highlighted recent welfare improvements, including the upward review of Ration Cash Allowance (RCA), barracks modernization, and enhanced healthcare through the establishment of the Invictus Care Centre for wounded personnel and upgrades of military hospitals nationwide.
He revealed that ₦18 billion has been paid in Group Life Insurance benefits, while the Debarment Allowance was introduced to promote veterans’ dignity and discourage their exploitation.
In a historic move, the Ministry has enrolled 2,141 Civil War veterans who retired before qualifying for pension, ensuring their service is duly recognized. Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) now covers over 400,000 personnel, veterans, and their families nationwide.
Speaking at a press briefing held on Wednes⁰day, November 12, 2025, at the Sani Abacha Hall, National Defence College, Abuja, the Minister said the 2026 celebration— themed “Valour, Sacrifice and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes”— represents a solemn pledge of remembrance and gratitude to all members of the Armed Forces, both living and fallen.
Badaru commended the courage and professionalism of Nigerian troops across all theatres of operation, noting that under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Armed Forces have recorded remarkable successes in tackling terrorism, banditry, and other security threats.
“Within this administration, our troops have neutralised over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested more than 17,000, and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages,” the Minister revealed.
“Over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants and their families have surrendered. These achievements reflect the determination of our Armed Forces to safeguard our nation’s unity and territorial integrity.”
He further disclosed that over 1,900 illegal refining sites have been destroyed in the South-South, significantly reducing crude oil theft and maritime-related crimes.
On defence modernization, the Minister cited the 2023 Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act as a major leap toward indigenous defence production, complemented by the acquisition of advanced platforms such as Armoured Fighting Vehicles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and naval vessels.
The Minister also announced the development of a new strategic initiative titled “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P)”, aimed at engaging retired military veterans in restoring security and driving economic revitalization in previously insurgent-occupied communities.
In a bid to enhance national participation in honouring the Armed Forces, the Minister launched a digital initiative tagged “Thank A Soldier” QR Code — a platform enabling Nigerians to send personalized messages of appreciation to serving troops and tributes to fallen heroes.
The 2026 AFCRD activities will include: National Emblem Appeal Launch by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on November 27, 2025, Special Jumaat Service on January 9, 2026, and Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service on January 11, 2026, Humanitarian Outreach and Family Day on January 10, 2026, National Symposium and Lecture Series on January 12, 2026, Gala and Fundraising Dinner on January 13, 2026, Medical Outreach and Free Day on January 14, 2026 and National Wreath-Laying Ceremony on January 15, 2026, marking the climax of the commemoration nationwide.
Badaru therefore urged Nigerians to wear the Remembrance Emblem with pride, support the families of fallen heroes, and uphold the ideals of sacrifice and unity that define the Armed Forces.
“Together, let us honour our past, support our present, and secure our future,” he said.