The Federal Government on Wednesday kicked off the events for the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day (AFRD) celebrations at the National Defence College (NDC) Abuja, with the announcement that Nigeria’s security breaches have been reduced by 65 per cent through the efforts of our soldiers.
Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, at the event, listed various achievements recorded by the armed forces in the fight against insurgents, bandits and terrorists as well as welfare packages for retired soldiers and families of fallen heroes.
Badaru, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, said that “thanks to the renewed vigour, incidences of security breaches have been reduced by an estimated 65% across the country and the Armed Forces will continue until the nation achieves insignificant level of breaches on its security.
“In the same vein, oil production has received a big boost as the country’s production has doubled from the level obtainable last year. There is hope of achieving a 2-million-barrel per day output before the end of the year 2024.
“It is gladdening to note that scores of insurgents have been surrendering and renouncing terrorism.
“The Federal Government through the Defence Headquarters, Ministry of Defence and relevant Agencies will continue to de-radicalize and rehabilitate repentant insurgents to live peaceful and productive lives. This is employing the carrot and stick or kinetic and non-kinetic approach to the warfare.
“We therefore continue to call for co- operation from our citizens who are rightly aggrieved by the past deeds of these repentant insurgents.
“We all have to realize and appreciate the need to quickly end this war to usher in an era of peace and mutual coexistence for the development of our beloved fatherland.
“The losses occasioned by this war on insurgency in terms of human, infrastructural and material resources incurred by our country are very huge, hence the need for an end to the ugly scenario.”
The Minister noted that “owing to the onslaught on insurgents, the Armed Forces has degraded their capacity, necessitating the surrender of more than 100,000 insurgents and the elimination of their top commanders.
“In consolidating efforts to end insurgency, the Nigerian Armed Forces led by the Chief of Defence Staff has recently got the Republic of Niger back into the MNJTF.
“This will no doubt help in securing our very extensive border with that country as well as contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Joint Task Force.
“The troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have continually dealt fatal blows to terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Region through a series of daring operations. In one such operation conducted on 15th June, 2024, several terrorists were neutralized and 34 women and children were rescued from insurgents.
“Also, the Nigerian Navy Ship Soroh discovered and deactivated an illegal refining site in the Isonogbene area of Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State.
“The Nigerian Air Force carried out impressive airstrikes on 17th June, 2024, in Katsina State, resulting in the elimination of over 80 terrorists.
“These strikes, along with previous ones in various parts of the North West and North East have significantly disrupted terrorist activities and enhanced the safety of several communities for their residents”, the Minister said.
He assured that Government will continue to prioritize the welfare, training, and equipment needs of troops to maintain their operational readiness and efficiency.
“In a landmark achievement, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, signed the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), Act into law on 23rd November, 2023.
“The revised legislation empowers DICON to produce, stock, and dispose of ammunition, consequently establishing a reliable supply chain for our military.
“The DICON Act establishes the Defence Industry Technology, Research and Development Institute; and will leverage multidisciplinary research to drive the commercialization and evolution of new military technologies, strategically positioning Nigeria as a leader in defence innovation in the process.
“The revitalization of DICON represents more than just an enhancement of our defence capabilities; it is a statement of national pride and self-sufficiency.
“This initiative will create jobs for our youth, advance Nigeria’s technological and military stature, and position us as a key player in the global defence market.
“Our goal is to develop a robust domestic industry capable of meeting Nigeria’s security needs and, in the future, serve international markets”, and called on corporate Bodies and individuals to invest in DICON for the production of defence equipment and hardware.
By producing munitions domestically, the Minister said, Nigeria will not only be enhancing our security but also saving hundreds of millions of Dollars that would otherwise be spent on imports, thereby strengthening the Naira and boosting our economy.
On the objectives of the event, Abubakar said it serves as honour to our departed heroes and heroines who paid the supreme price for peace, to appreciate the surviving veterans, serving personnel of our Armed Forces as well as raise funds to support the widows and dependants of fallen heroes/heroines.
On this year’s activities, Abubakar said that the Nigerian Legion Humanitarian Day will hold on Wednesday, 2nd October, 2024 at the Nigerian Legion House, Area 3 Garki, Abuja, and in the Nigerian Legion Offices in all States of the Federation.
The Legionnaires, he disclosed will engage in community service as well as empower widows and orphans of fallen heroes/heroines while the launch of the Emblem for 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration will be performed by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, 23rd October, 2024 at the Council Chambers, State House. Abuja.
Jumma’at Prayers will hold on Friday, 10th January, 2025 at the National Mosque to be followed by Interdenominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja on Sunday, 12th January, 2025.
These events will take place simultaneously in all States of the Federation, he added and enjoined Nigerians to attend and pray for the departed, incapacitated veterans, service personnel, families of the fallen heroes/heroines and the nation.
According to Abubakar, he climax of the Celebration will be the Laying of Wreath by Mr. President and other dignitaries at the National Arcade, Abuja on Wednesday, 15th January, 2025 with state Governors doing same simultaneously in their respective States.
On welfare of veterans, the Government disclosed that seven Veterans’ Skills Acquisition Centres and Agricultural Development Support Programmes: Centres, one in each Geopolitical Zone and Abuja have been planned.
This project, he said, commenced with the construction of a Centre at Takum, Taraba State set to be operational soon.
“I am happy to inform you that provision for more Skills Acquisition Centres in different Geopolitical Zones is being worked-out for inclusion in the 2025 Budget of the Ministry.
“These Centres when operational would enable our veterans, widows and dependants of fallen heroes acquire skills that would support their families and consequently take many of those that are unemployed off the streets.”
Abubakar said that the Military Pensions Board (MPB) has continued to deliver on regular payment of pensions.
“As one of the measures to curb leakages, Next- of-Kins (NOKs) of pensioners are made to sign undertakings to communicate the death of the pensioner or indemnify the Board for any payments made afterwards.
“The Federal Government is fully committed to implementing increments arising from reviews of pensions and improving the welfare of veterans.
“The MPB and the Ministry of Defence have continued to interface with the veterans to ensure that communication gaps are reduced to the barest minimum to avoid restiveness.
“Payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA): The issue of payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) to veterans who were excluded by the commencement date of the Scheme has been resolved. Recall that this led to an unfortunate demonstration by our esteemed veterans due largely to communication gap. The Government of President Tinubu has kept faith with the payment schedule commenced by the immediate past administration.
“Efforts are on by the Ministry to address some concerns raised by the veterans with regards to the SDA.
On the Veterans Federation of Nigeria Bill, the Minister said that :As a result of continuous interface between the Ministry and Veterans, I set up a committee to look into the Nigerian Legion Act with a view to amending it.
“Accordingly, the Committee which was headed by the Permanent Secretary was comprised of representatives of the Veteran Associations and senior officials of the Ministry of Defence. Having successfully completed its assignment, the Proposed Bill has been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for vetting and transmission to the National Assembly. It is hoped that this Bill when passed will not only change the name ‘Nigerian Legion’ to Veterans Federation of Nigeria Bill, but will also make provisions for the improvement in the welfare and well-being of our esteemed veterans.”
Another issue the Minister touched on is the National War Museum in Umuahia which he described as “a historic national treasure of our dear country Nigeria” lamenting that it “has overtime fallen under a state of disrepair.
“In line with our determination to preserve our rich military history and promote peace and unity in Nigeria, the Ministry will be proposing the rehabilitation and upgrade of the National War Museum at Umuahia. This no doubt will serve as a showcase of our military heritage as well as a constant reminder of the need for preservation of our unity as a nation.”
