… Launches “Thank A Soldier” QR Code
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru, has reiterated the commitments of the Ministry of Defence and Nigeria’s Armed Forces to protect officers on lawful duties and doing their jobs diligently.
The Minister stated this during the press briefing on the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD), held at the National Defence College in Abuja
on Wednesday.
According to Badaru, the Armed Forces will not allow any officer credibly doing his job to be intimidated.
The Minister in his remarks disclosed that in this year AFCRD, the Ministry is introducing an innovative platform called “Thank A Soldier” QR Code.
He explained that the digital initiative will enable Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to send personalised messages of appreciation and encouragement to our serving troops and pay tributes to the fallen heroes.
While launching the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, Minister Badaru highlighted the major achievements by the Ministry of enrolling 2,141 Civil War Veterans who fought on the Nigeria side but retired before meeting the stipulated pension qualifying years, ensuring that all sacrifices are duly recognised.
“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 the nation” Badaru said.
The Minister however emphasized that the vision extends beyond support, but encompasses long-term, impactful engagement of our seasoned veterans.
He revealed that the Ministry is developing a critical new initiative, called “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P)”.
According to him, the programme is strategically designed to leverage the expertise of retired security and promote economic development in previously insurgent-occupied areas.
“Engaging veterans to reinforce local security and initiate projects like farming and mining, RUSEB-P will prevent the resurgence of terrorism, revitalise local economies, and strengthen national security and cohesion.
“A dedicated Committee is currently finalizing the implementation framework”.
The Minister urged all Nigerians to honour our gallant heroes and heroines whose valour, discipline and unity are the pillars of democracy and symbolize our sovereignty.
Spark News reports that Nigeria’s Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on January 15 to honor and remember military personnel who have served, particularly those who have died in service.