President Bola Tinubu praised the courage and commitment of Nigeria’s military personnel who are fighting terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other security threats across the country. He said their sacrifices have helped to keep the nation more stable.
At the State House in Abuja, the president launched the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem appeal fund. He urged Nigerians to reject divisive speech and to show respect, tolerance and mutual understanding. He said the country’s diversity is an asset that should be guarded.
“Today, we pay tribute to veterans and salute our serving troops, who continue to confront terrorism, insurgency, mandatory and other security challenges. Their resilience often in the face of great danger, remains a source of national pride.”
Tinubu asked the nation to honour those who died, support the wounded, and care for all who serve. He described Remembrance Day, held each January 15, as a sober reminder of the cost of peace and the need for unity.
“As a grateful nation, we must honour the fallen, support the wounded, and create and care for all who answer the call to serve Armed Forces remember Remembrance Day marked every 15 January is a reminder of the cost of peace and the importance of unity as we honour our heroes.”
He praised the armed forces for their bravery in many operations and said their work has helped restore calm in many areas. He also listed gains under his administration, including large numbers of insurgents who have surrendered, the neutralisation of key terrorist leaders, and the rescue of many captives. He said efforts have reduced maritime crime, oil theft, piracy and illegal fishing. He added that new platforms and improved equipment have been provided to the Army, Navy and Air Force.
“Our armed forces have demonstrated exceptional courage across various theatres of operation. Their efforts have restored normalcy to many communities and strengthened national stability.
“And under my administration, we have entrenched collaboration among security agencies and recorded significant gains tens of thousands of insurgents have surrendered.
“Key terrorist leaders have been neutralised, and many captives have been freed in our maritime domain, oil theft, piracy and illegal fishing have been contained, we have supported new platforms and advanced capability acquired for Army, Navy and Air Force.”
The president said the Ministry of Defence is preparing a programme to reclaim ungoverned areas. The plan will use the knowledge and skills of retired military personnel to boost security, restore government presence and turn those areas into places for economic activity. He said the work will also help stop violence from returning to communities that suffered from insecurity.
“Ministry of Defense is developing reclaiming the ungoverned spaces for economic benefit programme by utilising the experience of retired military personnel.
“This initiative aimed to strengthen security and revitalize local economics and prevent the emergence of violence in previously affected communities.
“This year marks a new chapter in our remembrance activities. The Ministry of Defence has introduced thank a soldier, QR code, an innovative platform allowing Nigerians at home and abroad to send messages of appreciation to our troops.
“Honouring them, this initiative promotes digital engagement and encourages youth participation in national service.
“As we launch the 2026 emblem, I urge all Nigerians to wear it with pride. It symbolises sacrifices, honour and national gratitude.”
Tinubu again called for unity and warned against talk that divides the nation. He said true strength comes when citizens rise above their differences and work together.
“I call on every Nigerian to reject divisive rhetoric and embrace respect tolerance and understanding our diversity is a natural national asset that must be projected and cherished.
“As President and Commander in Chief, I remain committed to equipping and motivating our military security a central pillar of the Renew hope agenda.”
He said his government will keep improving the welfare of troops and other security officers. Measures already taken include raising allowances, upgrading barracks, strengthening health care, expanding health maintenance and organising pension checks through BVN and NIN systems.
“We will continue to improve the welfare of our troops and other security agencies, my administration has enhanced allowances, upgraded barracks, strengthening health care, expanded health maintenance and organised pension verification through BVN and NIN integration platforms.”
To support the appeal fund and to honour the fallen, President Tinubu donated N200 million.
Leave a comment