Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Government has announced plans to deploy retired military personnel to help secure Nigeria’s ungoverned spaces, as part of broader efforts to strengthen national security, ease pressure on active troops, and stimulate economic activities in conflict-affected areas, Prime Business Africa reports.
The plan follows the inauguration of an 18-member committee by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), mandated to reclaim ungoverned spaces for economic viability and reposition the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the Ministry of Defence said the committee was inaugurated on Tuesday at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja. The minister was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Richard Pheelangwa.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSpeaking at the inauguration, Musa said the proposed deployment of military veterans would complement ongoing security operations by integrating experienced and disciplined personnel into local security and development efforts, particularly in areas where government presence remains weak.
According to him, the initiative reflects a strategic shift from over-reliance on kinetic military operations to a more inclusive and sustainable security framework that also addresses the socio-economic drivers of insecurity.
“The deliberate integration of veterans into security and development initiatives will enhance local ownership, improve intelligence gathering, and foster trust between communities and the state,” the minister said.
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Musa outlined the committee’s three key terms of reference as repositioning the veteran community to support national economic development; deploying veterans to secure ungoverned spaces and bring them under effective government oversight and development; and repositioning the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires to strengthen operational effectiveness, facilitate veterans’ reintegration, and enhance their contribution to national security.
He stressed that the move underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of military veterans, noting that those who served the nation with honour must be empowered to live productive lives after retirement while continuing to contribute to national stability.
The defence minister urged committee members to adopt innovative and forward-looking approaches capable of producing actionable recommendations to support a holistic strategy for securing ungoverned spaces, promoting inclusive growth, and sustaining peace across the country.
Members of the committee were drawn from the Joint Services Department of the Ministry of Defence, the Nigerian Legion, Defence Headquarters, the Defence Intelligence Agency, the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as the offices of the Minister of Defence and the Minister of State for Defence.
The initiative comes amid growing calls from security experts and stakeholders for the integration of military retirees into Nigeria’s security architecture, as serving personnel remain stretched across multiple internal security operations nationwide.
Government officials say the programme aligns with broader efforts by the current administration to restore state authority in remote and poorly governed areas, deter criminal activities, and promote economic recovery in regions affected by banditry, insurgency, and other forms of violent crime.
If fully implemented, the initiative is expected to reduce criminal activities in ungoverned spaces, ease operational pressure on frontline troops, strengthen community-based security efforts, and contribute to long-term peace and development nationwide.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
