The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to safeguarding military officers performing their lawful duties, following the recent confrontation between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and a naval officer in Abuja.
Badaru gave the assurance on Wednesday during a ministerial press briefing on the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the National Defence College, Abuja.
He said the Ministry of Defence and the military high command would not tolerate any form of harassment or obstruction of officers carrying out their official responsibilities.
“At the Ministry and within the Armed Forces, we will always protect our officers on lawful duty. We will not allow anything to happen to any of them as long as they are doing their job diligently,” he stated.
The comment came after a viral video showed Wike in a heated exchange with a naval lieutenant, A.M. Yerima, over an alleged illegal land development in Abuja. The property was reportedly linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Gambo.
Speaking further, the Defence Minister said the federal government was also engaging military veterans under a new initiative known as Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P).
The programme, he explained, is aimed at improving security and stimulating economic activity in areas previously affected by insurgency.
According to him, “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 cohesion.”
He announced that the government had paid ₦18 billion in Group Life Insurance benefits to military personnel and veterans as part of broader welfare reforms, including the establishment of a digital veterans’ databank and call centre.
Badaru added that the Ministry was launching a “Thank A Soldier” QR Code initiative to allow Nigerians to send messages of appreciation to serving troops and honour fallen heroes. He further disclosed plans to review the Nigerian Legion Act to establish the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN), which would provide a stronger legal framework for welfare and reintegration programmes.
“The welfare of our troops remains our priority under the ‘Soldier First’ policy,” Badaru said. “Those who defend our nation deserve not only our gratitude but tangible support.”
