…Unfolds activities marking 2026 Armed Forces Day
The minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar said on Wednesday that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has recorded huge successes and operational milestones in safeguarding national security and protecting territorial integrity.
He said that data speaks for itself, adding that within the tenure of this administration, our troops neutralized over 13,000 terrorists and criminals,
Minister of Defence, Badura disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja where he unfolded activities line up to mark 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).
The minister said that under his watch troops arrested more
than 17,000 terrorists and criminals.They rescued nearly 10,000 hostages while over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants and their families have surrendered
He said ongoing 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.
The minister said that troops commitment to securing Nigeria’s vital economic assets is equally evident in the South-South, where over 1,900 illegal refining sites were destroyed.
He said that these relentless efforts have not only reduced crude oil theft but have also reduced the occurrence of maritime-related crimes.
Stating that there are still terrorists and criminals in the country, the . minister said they strengthening a whole-of-society approach that would brings together government, civil society, traditional institutions, academia, and the private sector in a common front against insecurity.
The minister personally laughed an innovative platform called the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code and explained that the digital initiative will enables Nigerians at home and abroad to send personalized messages of appreciation and encouragement to our serving troops and pay tributes to the fallen.
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