By Chimezie Godfrey
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has assured that the Ministry of Defence and the Military High Command will continue to protect every officer performing lawful duty, stressing that the Armed Forces will not sanction any personnel carrying out legitimate assignments.
Badaru stated this on Wednesday at the National Defence College, Abuja, while addressing journalists during a ministerial press briefing to kickstart activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).
His assurance came in response to a question about Tuesday’s reported altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a Naval officer, Lieutenant A.M. Yerima, over a land dispute in Abuja allegedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Zubairu Gambo (rtd).
Badaru said,“Well, at the Ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty.
“So we are looking into this issue, and we assure that any officer on lawful duty will be protected highly, so we will not allow anything to happen to him so far he is doing his job, and he’s doing his job greatly well.”
The minister used the opportunity to highlight the broader context of the press briefing — the formal commencement of events for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day, themed “Valour, Sacrifice and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes.”
According to him, the celebration is a moment for deep national reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices of Nigeria’s servicemen and women who defend the nation’s unity and territorial integrity.
“This annual celebration is more than a ceremonial occasion; it is a solemn national pledge of remembrance and gratitude,” he said. “It honours the unwavering sacrifices of our soldiers, sailors and airmen who have steadfastly defended the unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria.”
Badaru noted that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, the Ministry of Defence has recorded significant operational successes across various theatres.
He disclosed that troops have neutralised 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 also surrendered to the Nigerian authorities.
The minister added that more than 1,900 illegal refining sites had been destroyed in the South-South, helping to reduce crude oil theft and other maritime crimes.
Badaru also highlighted the signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023, which he described as a landmark step toward self-reliance in indigenous defence production and the modernization of military hardware.
On welfare, the minister said the Federal Government has placed troop well-being as a top priority through the “Soldier First” initiative, including the review of Ration Cash Allowance, improvement of barracks accommodation, establishment of the Invictus Care Centre for wounded personnel, and the payment of ₦18 billion in Group Life Insurance benefits.
He also mentioned ongoing reforms to strengthen veterans’ welfare, such as the creation of a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre, a review of the Nigerian Legion Act to be renamed the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN), and the enrolment of over 2,100 Civil War veterans for pensions.
Badaru further announced a new initiative — the Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P) — aimed at engaging retired veterans in rebuilding and securing communities formerly affected by insurgency.
“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,” he stated.
He also unveiled the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, an innovation designed to allow Nigerians at home and abroad to send digital messages of appreciation to serving troops and families of fallen heroes.
Outlining the calendar of events for the AFCRD 2026, the minister listed key activities including:
”The National Emblem Appeal Launch by President Bola Tinubu on November 27, 2025.
”Special Jumaat and Interdenominational Services in January 2026.
”A National Symposium themed “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development.”
”A Gala and Fundraising Dinner to support the Armed Forces Foundation.
”The National Wreath-Laying Ceremony on January 15, 2026, marking the Remembrance Day proper.”
Badaru called on Nigerians to participate actively in the commemoration, wear the Remembrance Emblem with pride, and support the families of fallen heroes.
“Let us honour our gallant men and women who embody valour, discipline and unity — the very pillars of our democracy and symbols of our sovereignty,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Armed Forces under the Renewed Hope Agenda, assuring that the Ministry of Defence will continue to strengthen its operations to guarantee a safer, more united Nigeria.
“Together, let us honour our past, support our present, and secure our future,” Badaru concluded.
Wike–Yerima Clash: We’ll Protect Officers on Lawful Duty – Defence Minister
