Nigeria Vows to End Insurgency as Armed Forces Remembrance Day Approaches

The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the country’s long-standing insurgency, citing significant military successes and a revamped defence industry.

Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar made the pledge ahead of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, honouring Nigeria’s fallen heroes.

Military Gains

Mr. Abubakar, speaking through the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Ibrahim Kana highlighted recent victories against terrorist groups, including:

● Neutralization of insurgents in the Lake Chad Region
● Deactivation of illegal refining sites
● Airstrikes eliminating over 80 terrorists in Katsina State

These successes, he said, have degraded the insurgents’ capacity, leading to:

● Over 100,000 surrenders
● Elimination of top commanders
● 65% reduction in security breaches

Defence Industry Revamp

The Minister announced a major boost to Nigeria’s defence industry, including:

● Signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act
● Establishment of a munitions production facility
● Partnerships for defence equipment production

Support for Veterans

The government has also prioritized veterans’ welfare, with:

● Skills acquisition centres
● Agricultural development support programmes
● Pension administration and payment of Security Debarment Allowance (SDA)
● Proposed Veterans Federation of Nigeria Bill

Remembrance Day Events

The 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration will include:

● Nigerian Legion Humanitarian Day (October 2, 2024)
● Emblem launch by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (October 23, 2024)
● Religious services (January 10-12, 2025)
● Wreath-laying ceremony (January 15, 2025)

Call to Action

Mr. Abubakar urged the media to extensively cover the celebration, honouring Nigeria’s veterans and Armed Forces.

“We must recognize the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and work towards a peaceful, united Nigeria,” he said.

The Nigerian government’s renewed commitment to ending insurgency comes as the country prepares to honour its military personnel and veterans.