The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a strategic national security initiative to deploy retired military personnel to secure ungoverned areas in the country, aiming to strengthen state authority, reduce criminality and stimulate economic activities in regions affected by insecurity.

The announcement followed the inauguration of an 18-member high-level committee by the Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday. The committee’s mandate is to develop a comprehensive framework for reclaiming ungoverned spaces for economic viability and repositioning the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans.

Represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, Gen. Musa explained that the planned deployment of military retirees is intended to complement ongoing security operations by integrating the vast experience, discipline, and operational knowledge of seasoned veterans into frontline security and development efforts, especially in areas where government presence remains weak.

Strategic Shift in Security Approach

According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, the initiative marks a strategic shift from reliance solely on conventional military offensives toward a more inclusive strategy that addresses underlying socio-economic drivers of insecurity. The plan seeks to align national security priorities with community development and local ownership of peace-building processes.

Gen. Musa highlighted that the committee will focus on three core terms of reference:

• Repositioning the veteran community to support national economic development.

• Deploying military retirees to secure ungoverned spaces and ensure these areas are brought under effective oversight and sustainable development.

• Repositioning the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans to strengthen operational effectiveness, enhance reintegration, and bolster veterans’ contribution to national security.

The Defence Minister stressed that deliberately integrating veterans into security and development initiatives would not only boost intelligence gathering at grassroots levels but also foster trust between communities and the state, thereby enhancing overall stability.

Supporting Veterans’ Welfare and National Interests

Officials noted that the policy is part of a broader effort to strengthen veterans’ welfare, empower retired service members who have served the nation with honour, and ensure they remain active contributors to national stability post-retirement. The initiative also responds to increasing calls from security experts and stakeholders for greater utilisation of veterans in Nigeria’s security architecture, given that serving personnel are stretched across multiple internal operations nationwide.

Security analysts believe that effective implementation of the programme could significantly reduce criminal activities in previously ungoverned territories, ease the operational burden on frontline troops, and open new avenues for economic recovery in conflict-affected zones.

Committee Composition and Expectations

Committee members hail from key strategic bodies including the Joint Services Department of the Ministry of Defence, Nigerian Legion, Defence Headquarters, Defence Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as offices of the Ministers of Defence and State for Defence.

The Minister urged the panel to adopt innovative, practical, and forward-looking approaches capable of producing actionable recommendations that can drive a holistic national strategy for reclaiming ungoverned spaces, promoting inclusive growth, and sustaining peace in affected communities.