Wike Vs Naval officer: We’ll defend every officer on lawful duty — Defence Minister 

….FG engages veterans to fight insecurity, revamp rural economy

….pays ₦18 billion in insurance to boost troops’ welfare

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, on Wednesday assured that the Ministry of Defence and indeed the Military High Command would always protect every soldier on lawful duty.

The Minister gave the assurance while fielding questions from Defence Correspondents at a ministerial press conference on the Armed Forces Remembrance Celebration and Remembrance Day, 2026, at the National Defence College, Abuja.

The question came against the backdrop of Tuesday’s altercation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeson Wike, and a Navy Lieutenant AM Yerima, over the development of a land in Abuja, which allegedly belongs to a former Chief of  Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Gambo 

The Minister, while responding to the question, said, “Well, at the Ministry, and indeed the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty. 

“So we are looking into this issue, and we. assure that any officer on lawful duty will be protected highly, so we will not allow anything to happen to him so far he is doing his job, and he’s doing his job greatly well.”

Speaking earlier on the efforts being made to tackle the security challenges facing the country,  the Minister disclosed that the Federal Government was engaging veterans to restore security and promote economic development in previously insurgent-occupied areas. 

He explained that the veterans would be engaged under a new programme titled “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P),” adding that the programme was strategically designed to leverage the expertise of retired, agile military veterans in the country 

He stated that “by engaging veterans to reinforce local security and initiate projects like farming and mining, RUSEB-P will prevent the resurgence of terrorism, revitalize local economies, and strengthen national security and cohesion.”

The Minister, who further explained that a dedicated committee was currently finalising the implementation framework, disclosed that the strategic vision extended beyond immediate support, encompassing the long-term, impactful engagement of seasoned veterans. 

“To this end, the Ministry is developing a critical new initiative named the ‘Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P).”

He added that the Ministry was also introducing the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, a digital initiative that enables Nigerians at home and abroad to send personalised messages of appreciation and encouragement to serving troops and pay tributes to the fallen. 

According to him, “the ‘Thank A Soldier’ QR Code will be launched immediately following this briefing, aligning with our drive to modernise engagement through digital inclusion and youth participation.” 

The Minister pleaded with Nigerians to honour gallant men and women who embody valour, discipline, and unity, which were the very pillars of the Nation’s democracy and symbols of sovereignty.

He added that the government was also strengthening support for veterans through digital innovation, including the establishment of a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre.

The Minister explained that the initiative, which would be formally launched as part of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day activities, would provide a central platform for efficient service delivery, improved response time to grievances, and highly targeted welfare support.

Badaru also spoke on plans to review the Nigerian Legion Act, seeking to rename it the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN), saying that the reform would strengthen the legal framework for veterans’ benefits and reintegration programmes.

According to him, “the Ministry, in demonstration of fairness and national reconciliation, 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.

“The Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) 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.”

The Minister, in addition, said the Federal Government was making concerted efforts for the welfare of the personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, with a down payment of a whopping sum of N18 billion for the insurance scheme 

 He stated that the Federal Government has intensified welfare reforms for serving and retired military personnel, with the payment of N18 billion in Group Life Insurance benefits and the establishment of a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre.

The Minister said the welfare initiatives formed part of the government’s “Soldier First” policy, aimed at improving morale, living conditions, and medical care for personnel and their families, stressing that ” those who defend our nation deserve not only our gratitude but our concrete support”:

The Minister said the troops’ welfare packages had been expanded to include the Debarment Allowance introduced recently, aimed to enhance medical coverage through Defence Health Maintenance Limited, and ongoing upgrades of barracks and medical facilities.

According to him, the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act 2023 would also strengthen local production of uniforms, equipment, and essential supplies to support troops’ operational and welfare needs.

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