As we commemorate Armed Forces Remembrance Day in the present day, it is necessary that we take time to replicate on the immense sacrifices made by the women and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The Armed Forces Remembrance Day is noticed on January 15 annually to commemorate the servicemen and ladies of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It additionally honors veterans of World Wars I and II in addition to the Nigerian Civil Struggle.
It’s instructive to notice that, as a former British colony, Nigeria previously celebrated Remembrance Day on November 11 as Poppy Day to honor the top of the First World Struggle. Upon the federal government’s victory in opposition to Biafran troops on January 15, 1970, the vacation was faraway from the calendar of the Commonwealth of Nations and altered to January 15 to commemorate the conclusion of the Nigerian Civil Struggle.
For many years, our troops have put their lives on the road to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, defend its residents, and keep peace and stability. Their selfless service and braveness within the face of hazard proceed to encourage gratitude and respect throughout our nation.
Specifically, we should keep in mind and honour those that made the final word sacrifice in service to our nation. The risks confronted by our troops are all too actual, as evidenced by the lives misplaced whereas finishing up operations in opposition to insurgents, terrorists, and different legal parts threatening Nigeria’s safety.Our ideas exit to the households, associates and communities grieving the lack of our fallen heroes. Their sacrifice permits the remainder of us to dwell in security and pursue our hopes for the longer term. We owe them an everlasting debt of honour.
As we mark this solemn event, it’s also important that we help the residing veterans and repair members who stick with it the duty of defending Nigeria in the present day.
Our troops are working tirelessly on the frontlines to counter threats from terrorism, insurgency, banditry, oil theft and different crimes.
It’s gratifying to notice that a lot progress has been made. The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported that troops deployed for counterterrorism operations killed 109 terrorists and arrested 81 suspects through the first week of 2025.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, reported that “through the week below assessment, troops neutralised 109 terrorists, arrested 81 suspects, and rescued 43 kidnapped hostages.”Within the thought-about opinion of this newspaper, regardless of these victories, vital challenges stay.In keeping with stories, no fewer than 77 folks have been killed and 43 kidnapped in several terror assaults throughout 10 states previously two weeks. Many homes have been burned, and greater than 1,000 residents have been displaced.
The lack of six courageous troopers throughout a daybreak terrorist assault on January 4, 2025, on a military base in Sabon Gida, Damboa, Borno State, is disturbing.
Within the wake of this tragic occasion, President Bola Tinubu referred to as for an intensive investigation to uncover the circumstances that led to the unlucky incident and be certain that it serves as a helpful lesson to forestall comparable occurrences.
The President counseled the armed forces for his or her swift and decisive response, significantly the air part, in launching efficient retaliatory strikes. The focused air raids resulted within the vital neutralisation of quite a few terrorists and the destruction of their property as they tried to flee.Certainly, we should guarantee our troops have the assets, coaching, intelligence and tools wanted to beat adversaries who usually possess superior weaponry and expertise.
Care should even be taken to safeguard troops’ welfare, present sufficient healthcare and transition help, and attend to the wants of navy households.
Veterans who’ve returned from service will need to have entry to training, housing and employment alternatives that honor their contributions.
For sure, whereas the navy has taken robust motion to curb insecurity, the optimum answer entails strengthening civilian regulation enforcement and governance as properly.
The navy has been compelled to undertake inner safety duties past its remit as a consequence of police shortcomings.
Wanting ahead, efforts have to be made to spice up policing capabilities, fight corruption, alleviate poverty and unemployment, and deal with grievances that foster criminality and extremism.Correct resourcing and coaching of state safety companies will allow the navy to deal with its major mandate of defending Nigeria in opposition to exterior aggression.
On this 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, allow us to unite as residents and leaders in appreciating the service and sacrifice of our troops and veterans. We should look after these wounded in physique and spirit and help the households of these killed in motion.
And we should work collectively to construct a simply, affluent and peaceable society that honors those that gave their lives for Nigeria’s beliefs. The nation owes its navy a debt of gratitude, and this solemn day of remembrance should rekindle our dedication to upholding the values they fought to defend.
