The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to engage retired military personnel in reclaiming ungoverned spaces and strengthening national security.

This follows the inauguration of an 18-member committee by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

The committee is tasked with repositioning the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans to play a more active role in national development and security.

According to a statement by Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Enderline Chukwu, the Minister, represented by Permanent Secretary Richard Pheelangwa, said the initiative reflects government’s broader commitment to empower veterans who have served the nation with honour.

Musa described the programme as a deliberate and strategic policy intervention aimed at addressing structural and operational challenges that have limited the defence community’s contribution to national development.

He noted that the Nigerian Legion remains “a critical institution with a proud history of service, sacrifice and patriotism,” adding that evolving socio-economic realities make it imperative to reform and reposition the corps for greater relevance and sustainability.

Shift in Security Strategy

The Defence Minister emphasized the need for a strategic shift from over-reliance on military offensives to a more comprehensive approach that integrates social and economic solutions.

“While military operations remain indispensable, enduring peace and stability can only be achieved by addressing the underlying socio-economic factors that enable insecurity to persist,” Musa said.

He explained that deploying veterans into ungoverned areas would complement ongoing military operations by leveraging their experience to boost local security, enhance intelligence gathering, and foster trust between communities and the state.

Committee’s Terms of Reference

The committee has three main responsibilities:

1. Reposition the veteran community to support national economic development.
2. Deploy veterans to secure ungoverned spaces, ensuring these areas are brought under effective oversight and development.
3. Reposition the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires, strengthen operational effectiveness, facilitate veterans’ reintegration, and promote their contribution to national security.

Musa urged members to adopt innovative and practical approaches that reflect contemporary realities and promote inclusive growth.

Committee Membership

The committee members were drawn from:

• The Joint Services Department of the Ministry of Defence
• The Nigerian Legion
• Defence Headquarters
• Defence Intelligence Agency
• Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force
• Offices of the Ministers of Defence and State for Defence

The initiative also aligns with government’s commitment to improving veterans’ welfare and ensuring they remain productive after retirement while continuing to contribute to national stability.