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 and unlock economic activities in conflict-affected areas.
The initiative follows the inauguration of an 18-member committee by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), tasked with reclaiming ungoverned spaces for economic viability and repositioning the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans.
The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Abuja, with the minister represented by the Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwa.
Speaking at the event, General Musa said the deployment of military veterans would complement ongoing security operations by integrating experienced personnel into local security and development efforts, particularly in areas with weak state presence.
According to him, the move represents a shift from heavy reliance on military offensives to a more inclusive and sustainable security strategy that addresses the socio-economic roots of insecurity.
The committee’s terms of reference include repositioning the veteran community to support national economic development, deploying veterans to secure ungoverned spaces and bring them under effective oversight, and strengthening the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires.
Musa said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to improving veterans’ welfare while ensuring they continue to contribute meaningfully to national stability.
“Deliberate integration of veterans into security and development initiatives will enhance local ownership, improve intelligence gathering, and build trust between communities and the state,” he said.
Members of the committee were drawn from the Joint Services Department, Nigerian Legion, Defence Headquarters, Defence Intelligence Agency, the Armed Forces, and offices of the Ministers of Defence and State for Defence.
Security experts have long advocated the integration of military retirees into Nigeria’s security architecture to reduce pressure on active-duty personnel and strengthen community-based security efforts.
