security challenges facing the country. He said the current determination was evident in the on-going mass surrender of Boko Haram fighters in the region and successes being recorded by troops against bandits in the Northwest, particularly in Zamfara and Katsina States. According to him, the contributions of members of the armed forces towards the return of peace to troubled spots in Nigeria cannot be overemphasised. He said the nation remained eternally grateful to the gallant men and women who paid the supreme price for the nation’s survival and unity. The minister said the AFRDC was meant to appreciate and celebrate the men and women who sacrificed their lives and time to keep the nation peaceful and secure. He urged the service and ex-service men and women to take pride in the patriotic sacrifices they had and were still making for the nation.