The Federal Government has announced plans to deploy military veterans to help secure Nigeria’s ungoverned spaces, aiming to bolster national security while promoting economic activity in conflict-prone areas.
This decision follows the inauguration of an 18-member committee by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), tasked with reclaiming ungoverned spaces and revitalizing the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the Ministry’s Deputy Director of Information, Enderline Chukwu, the committee was inaugurated on Tuesday at the Defence Ministry headquarters in Abuja, with the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, representing the minister.
Gen. Musa explained that integrating veterans into ungoverned areas will complement existing military operations, bringing experienced personnel into local security and development initiatives, particularly in locations where government presence is limited.
He emphasized that the initiative represents a strategic shift from reliance solely on military offensives to a more sustainable approach that addresses the socio-economic drivers of insecurity.
“The committee has three main objectives: (1) reposition veterans to contribute to national economic development; (2) deploy veterans to secure ungoverned spaces and ensure these areas are effectively managed and developed; and (3) strengthen the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires, improve operational efficiency, support veteran reintegration, and enhance their role in national security,” Musa said.
The Defence Minister added that the initiative also underscores the government’s commitment to empowering veterans who served the country with honour, enabling them to remain productive while contributing to national stability.
“Integrating veterans into security and development programs will promote local ownership, improve intelligence gathering, and foster trust between communities and the state,” Musa noted. He urged committee members to adopt innovative strategies that would result in actionable recommendations for securing ungoverned spaces, promoting inclusive growth, and sustaining peace.
The committee includes representatives from the Joint Services Department, Nigerian Legion, Defence Headquarters, Defence Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, and the offices of the Ministers of Defence and State for Defence.
Experts have long advocated for the inclusion of retired military personnel in Nigeria’s security architecture to reduce overreliance on overstretched serving forces. If successfully implemented, the Defence Ministry’s plan could curb criminal activity in ungoverned areas, ease pressure on frontline troops, and strengthen community-based security efforts.
