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The Federal Government has announced that it has concluded plans to engage military veterans in community policing efforts aimed at reclaiming ungoverned areas currently used as hideouts by terrorists and bandits.
According to the government, the retired officers will be integrated into a new initiative known as the Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P).
The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, made this known on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja to mark the start of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Celebration.
Badaru explained that the programme is designed to harness the experience and agility of retired military personnel to restore security and stimulate economic growth in areas previously occupied by insurgents.
He said the RUSEB-P initiative will involve deploying veterans to support local security structures and participate in economic activities such as farming and mining. This, he noted, will help prevent the return of terrorism, revive local economies, and strengthen national security and unity.
A dedicated committee is currently finalising the programme’s implementation framework.
Highlighting the long-term vision of the initiative, Badaru said the Ministry of Defence is committed to ensuring sustained and meaningful engagement of veterans beyond immediate interventions.
He also announced the launch of a “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, a digital platform that allows Nigerians both at home and abroad to send personalized messages of appreciation to serving troops and honour fallen heroes.
Badaru urged citizens to celebrate the bravery, discipline, and unity demonstrated by members of the Armed Forces—values he described as essential to the nation’s democracy and sovereignty.
The minister noted that under the Tinubu administration, troops have neutralized more than 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested over 17,000, rescued nearly 10,000 hostages, and destroyed about 1,900 illegal refining sites.
He added that more than 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their family members have surrendered to Nigerian forces.
These efforts, he said, have resulted in the dismantling of major terrorist strongholds, the elimination of notorious bandit leaders, and the restoration of peace across hundreds of communities—enabling displaced persons to return home.
Badaru further announced plans to enhance veteran welfare through digital innovations, including the creation of a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre.
The government is also considering a review of the Nigerian Legion Act, proposing a new name: Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN). According to him, this reform aims to strengthen the legal framework for veterans’ benefits and reintegration programmes.
