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Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has assured that no military officer or soldier performing lawful duty will face punishment over the recent altercation between personnel of the Armed Forces and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Abuja.

Speaking during the ministerial briefing to flag off the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the National Defence College, Abuja, Badaru emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting officers who act within the law.

“We will always defend our officers and men who are on lawful duty. Any personnel who performs his duty lawfully and diligently will be protected by the government,” the minister stated.

His remarks followed threats by a coalition of retired military veterans to occupy the FCT ministry should the officer involved in the Abuja altercation be sanctioned, insisting the personnel acted under lawful orders.

Addressing the country’s current security situation, Badaru highlighted major achievements recorded under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that improved coordination among the military and security agencies had yielded positive results.

“Under the leadership of President Tinubu, our Armed Forces have achieved significant milestones in safeguarding national security and territorial integrity. Our troops have neutralised over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested more than 17,000, and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages. Additionally, over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their families have surrendered,” he said.

He added that these operations led to the dismantling of major terrorist hideouts, the elimination of notorious bandit leaders, and the restoration of peace to several communities, enabling displaced persons to return home.

Badaru further disclosed that the military destroyed over 1,900 illegal refining sites in the South-South as part of efforts to protect Nigeria’s economic assets. He also outlined ongoing reforms in defence production and procurement to strengthen indigenous capability.

“The signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Act in 2023 marked a milestone in local defence production, positioning Nigeria as a regional hub for defence technology. Combined with the acquisition of advanced platforms such as Armoured Fighting Vehicles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, and naval vessels, our operational readiness continues to improve,” the minister said.

He stressed, however, that despite these successes, remnants of criminal elements still threaten national peace, and therefore, the Armed Forces would sustain and intensify ongoing operations until all threats are neutralised.