AFCRD honours Sacrifices of our Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen who have defended territorial integrity of Nigeria – Badaru
Oru Leonard
As the Armed Forces Celebration and Rememberance Day (AFCRD), kicks off today, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has said that this annual celebration is more than a ceremonial occasion.
According to him, 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.”
He added that, it allows the nation 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).
Badaru who stated this at National Defense College today during his remarks at a press briefing, marking the formal commencement of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day with the theme: Valour, Sacrifice and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” said it 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 including those who serve, those who have served and especially those who paid the supreme price”, he stressed.
The Minister listed some significant operational milestones in safeguarding national security and protecting territorial integrity which include:
– Over 13,000 terrorists and criminals neutralized, 17,000 arrested, and nearly 10,000 hostages rescued within the current administration.
– 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants and their families have surrendered.
– Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act signed in 2023, marking a milestone in indigenous defence production.
– Welfare measures implemented, including upward review of Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) and modernization of barracks facilities
“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”, he emphasized.
The event will feature various activities, including a National Emblem Appeal Launch, religious services, humanitarian outreach, and a National Symposium and Lecture Series.
