The Federal Government has announced plans to deploy military retirees to help secure Nigeria’s ungoverned spaces, in a move aimed at strengthening national security while promoting economic activities in conflict-affected areas.
The initiative follows the inauguration of an 18-member committee by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), charged with reclaiming ungoverned spaces for economic viability and repositioning the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans.
The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja. The event was conducted on behalf of the Defence Minister by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Ministry’s Deputy Director of Information, Enderline Chukwu.
Speaking at the inauguration, Musa explained that deploying veterans would complement ongoing military operations by integrating experienced personnel into local security and development initiatives, particularly in areas where government presence remains weak.
He noted that the approach represents a strategic shift from an over-reliance on military offensives to a more inclusive and sustainable security framework that also addresses the socio-economic drivers of insecurity.
The minister outlined the committee’s terms of reference, which include repositioning the veteran community to support national economic development, deploying veterans to secure ungoverned spaces, and strengthening the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires to facilitate veterans’ reintegration and contribution to national security.
Musa stressed that the initiative underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to improving veterans’ welfare while enabling them to continue serving the nation in productive roles.
He added that integrating veterans into security and development efforts would enhance intelligence gathering, strengthen community trust, and promote local ownership of peacebuilding initiatives.
The committee comprises representatives from the Joint Services Department, Defence Headquarters, Defence Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Nigerian Legion, and the offices of the Ministers of Defence and State for Defence.
Security experts have long advocated the integration of military retirees into Nigeria’s security architecture to reduce pressure on active-duty personnel. If fully implemented, the policy could significantly curb criminal activities in ungoverned spaces and bolster community-based security nationwide.
