Defence Minister Unveils “Thank A Soldier” QR Code Ahead of 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day

By Zainab Uzomah
Abuja, Nigeria

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has announced the launch of a new digital platform, the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, designed to connect Nigerians directly with serving troops and honour fallen heroes as part of preparations for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).

Speaking at a press briefing at the National Defence College in Abuja, Abubakar said the initiative will allow citizens at home and abroad to send personalized messages of appreciation and tributes, describing it as a step toward greater digital inclusion and youth engagement in national unity efforts.

Honouring Courage, Sacrifice, and Unity
The 2026 remembrance celebration will be held under the theme “Valour, Sacrifice and Unity: Honouring Our Heroes.”

Abubakar said the annual event goes beyond ceremony, serving as a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to honour the men and women who have defended the country’s unity, protected its territorial integrity, and contributed to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations across Africa.

New Veteran-Led Security and Economic Initiative
The Defence Minister also revealed plans for a new initiative known as the “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P).”

The programme will deploy the expertise of retired, agile military veterans to help restore security and promote economic recovery in areas previously affected by insurgency.

Defence Reforms Under Tinubu Administration
Abubakar highlighted major achievements in Nigeria’s defence sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act in 2023, which he described as a milestone in indigenous defence production.

The Act, he said, positions Nigeria as an emerging hub for defence technology in West Africa. Combined with recent procurements—such as Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and naval vessels—these efforts are expected to boost operational readiness and reduce reliance on imported equipment.

He also noted that Nigeria continues to play a key role in regional stability through ongoing peacekeeping deployments in The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and South Sudan.

Strengthening Support for Veterans
As part of efforts to improve veterans’ welfare, the Ministry is set to launch a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre to streamline service delivery, speed up responses to grievances, and provide targeted support.

Abubakar also announced plans to review the Nigerian Legion Act, with a proposal to rename it the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN) — a reform aimed at strengthening the legal framework for veterans’ benefits and reintegration programmes.

In a move he described as a “gesture of fairness and reconciliation,” the Minister confirmed that 2,141 Civil War veterans who fought on the Nigerian side but did not qualify for pensions have now been enrolled in the national benefits scheme.

Additionally, the Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) now provides healthcare coverage for over 400,000 enrollees, including more than 205,000 veterans and their families, ensuring access to quality medical care nationwide.

Activities Leading Up to 2026 AFCRD
Events lined up for the January 15, 2026, Armed Forces Remembrance Day include:

The National Emblem Appeal Launch by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Interfaith religious services

A humanitarian outreach

A national symposium on “Securing Nigeria’s Future.”

Abubakar called on Nigerians to wear the Remembrance Emblem with pride, support the families of fallen heroes, and use the new QR Code initiative to express appreciation to the men and women protecting the nation.

“This celebration is not just about remembrance,” he said. “It is a renewal of our collective promise to stand with those who have stood for Nigeria.”