No fewer than 13,000 terrorists and criminals have been neutralised since the inception of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar has said.
The administration has also arrested more than 17,000 terrorists and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages.
This comes as over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants and their families have surrendered.
The minister made this known on Wednesday during the commencement of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) in Abuja.
The theme of the 2026 AFCRD, “Valour, Sacrifice and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes,” according to the minister powerfully captures the spirit of service, heroism and patriotism that guides the military.
“The data speaks for itself, within the tenure of this administration, our troops have neutralized 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 surrendered” the minister said.
He explained that 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.
He added “Our commitment to securing Nigeria’s vital economic assets is equally evident in the South-South, where over 1,900 illegal refining sites were destroyed, adding that “These relentless efforts have not only reduced crude oil theft but have also reduced the occurrence of maritime-related crimes. These expanding operational capabilities are underpinned by significant strategic modernization”.
He stated that Nigeria has deepened cooperation through active participation in high-level forums and maintained crucial peacekeeping deployments in countries like Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and South Sudan.
He however bemoaned that despite these successes, “the remnants of criminal elements still pose threats to our peace and security”.
The minister added that to further reposition the support structure for ex-service members, “we are constituting a committee to review the Nigerian Legion Act, seeking to rename it the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN). This critical reform will strengthen the legal framework for veterans’ benefits and reintegration programmes.
“In a powerful demonstration of fairness and national reconciliation, the Ministry has successfully enrolled 2,141 Civil War veterans who fought on the Nigerian side but retired before meeting the stipulated pension qualifying years, ensuring all sacrifices are duly recognized.
“We are also intensifying healthcare support for both veterans and serving personnel through Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), which now serves over 400,000 enrollees, including more than 205,000 veterans and their families, guaranteeing comprehensive primary, secondary and tertiary care across every state”.
According to the minister other activities lined up for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day include: National Emblem Appeal Launch by Mr President: Wednesday, 27 November 2025, Religious Services: Special Jumaat Service (Friday, 9 January 2026) and Interdenominational Thanksgiving Service (Sunday, 11 January 2026). Humanitarian Outreach and Family/Community Day: Saturday, 10 January 2026, highlighting the military’s humanitarian face and National Symposium and Lecture Series: Monday, 12 January 2026, themed: “Securing Nigeria’s Future: The Armed Forces and National Development.”
Other activities include, Gala and Fundraising Dinner: Tuesday, 13 January 2026, to support the Armed Forces Foundation, Continuation of Medical Outreach and Free Day: Wednesday, 14 January 2026, 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” the minister said.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of innovative platform called the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code.
The minister disclosed that the digital initiative will enable Nigerians at home and abroad to send personalized messages of appreciation and encouragement to serving troops and pay tributes to the fallen.
