CDS Assures Nigerian Troops of Improved Salaries, Welfare in 2026

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has assured officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria that concrete steps are being taken to improve their salaries and overall welfare. Oluyede gave the assurance on Monday in Abuja during the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD) Social Night for soldiers, ratings, airmen and airwomen. He said the initiative was being pursued in collaboration with the Service Chiefs and with the approval of President Bola Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. “If I tell you we are working on something, please be hopeful. Something positive will come up,” the CDS said, pledging that 2026 would be a better year for personnel of the armed forces. Beyond salary enhancement, Oluyede disclosed that arrangements were being finalised to improve post-service welfare, particularly through access to soft loans for spouses and affordable housing schemes for serving and retired personnel. According to him, discussions are ongoing with financial institutions to provide low-interest loans to spouses of service members to enable them establish sustainable businesses, while housing loan options are being expanded to ensure personnel retire with dignity. The defence chief commended soldiers, ratings, airmen and airwomen for their resilience and professionalism in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty across all theatres of operation, noting that their sacrifices had continued to yield significant operational successes nationwide. He also paid tribute to fallen heroes and acknowledged the vital role of military families, describing their prayers and sacrifices as a silent but powerful force behind every successful mission. Oluyede expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support for the Armed Forces, as well as to the Service Chiefs for their leadership and commitment to improving the welfare and morale of personnel. Earlier, the Chief of Defence Administration (CDA), Rear Adm. Gideon Kachim, described the Social Night as a deliberate gathering designed to give personnel an opportunity to unwind, reflect and celebrate. Kachim said the occasion also provided a solemn moment to honour and remember fallen heroes who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation, stressing that their sacrifices remained a timeless source of inspiration to serving personnel. The Social Night was part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day. Dignitaries in attendance included the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas; Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke; and the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lt.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye. Highlights of the event included the presentation of awards to deserving personnel for outstanding performance and dedication to duty, as well as musical performances by legendary artistes Tuface Idibia, Zule Zoo and Magnito

58 deceased policemen’s families get N22.5m in Kaduna 

In a gesture of recognition and support, the Commissioner of Police for Kaduna State Command, Mr. Musa Garba, presented a total of N22.5 million in cheques to the families of 58 police officers who lost their lives while serving on duty within the state. The poignant ceremony, reflecting the appreciation for the sacrifices made by these officers, was conveyed on behalf of the Acting Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun. The Deputy Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Mansir Hassan, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that the symbolic presentation aimed to offer financial assistance to the bereaved families in the wake of their profound loss. Commissioner Garba underscored that the emotional weight of the officers’ sacrifices goes beyond the monetary value of the cheques handed out, reiterating that it was a tangible expression of the Acting IGP’s compassion and support. Garba emphasized that the intention behind the financial aid was to alleviate the challenges faced by the families due to their loved ones’ untimely demise. He urged the recipients to utilize the funds judiciously, recognizing the profound impact it could have on their lives during this challenging time. “The pains associated with the loss of our fallen heroes are incomparable to the value of the cheques issued to the families. “It is the Acting IGP’s way of showing support and concern to those families,” Garba said. He added that it was meant ameliorate the hardships being experienced by the families, and urged them to use the money wisely. Mr Pius Luka who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the police management for the gesture, saying it will help reduce some of the hardships they face since the demise of their loved ones.  One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Pius Luka, conveyed gratitude on behalf of the families for this thoughtful gesture extended by the police management. He acknowledged that the financial support would significantly alleviate the hardships that the families had encountered since losing their beloved officers. This poignant initiative, marked by the presentation of N22.5 million in cheques, demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement to honor the dedication and sacrifices of officers who have fallen in the line of duty. Beyond the monetary value, the gesture holds a deeply empathetic message of support and solidarity with the families left behind, recognizing the challenges they face and aiming to provide some measure of relief.