The federal government has unveiled plans to strategically engage retired military personnel in reclaiming ungoverned spaces across the country as part of a broader effort to strengthen national security and stimulate economic development.
This policy direction followed the inauguration of an 18-member committee on Reclaiming Ungoverned Spaces for Economic Viability and the Repositioning of the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, at the Ministry of Defence, Abuja, on Tuesday.
The inauguration was confirmed in a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the ministry, Enderline Chukwu.
Musa, who was represented at the event by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Richard Pheelangwa, said the initiative reflects the federal government’s renewed commitment to national security through inclusive and sustainable strategies.
The minister explained that the repositioning of the Nigerian Legion forms part of a deliberate policy to ensure that veterans who served the nation with honour are not neglected but are instead empowered to live dignified, productive, and economically viable lives after retirement.
According to him, the initiative is a strategic intervention aimed at addressing long-standing structural and operational limitations that have reduced the defence community’s contribution to national development.
He described the Nigerian Legion as a critical institution with a rich legacy of service, sacrifice, and patriotism, noting that evolving socio-economic realities now demand comprehensive reforms to enhance its relevance and sustainability.
The defence minister further advocated a shift from an over-reliance on kinetic military operations to a broader and more inclusive approach to national security.
While acknowledging that military offensives remain indispensable, Musa stressed that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved by addressing the socio-economic drivers of insecurity.
He said the deployment of veterans into ungoverned spaces would not only enhance security presence but also promote effective oversight, community engagement, and economic activity in previously neglected areas.
The committee is guided by three key terms of reference: repositioning the veteran community to support national economic development; deploying veterans to secure and stabilise ungoverned spaces; and reforming the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires to improve operational effectiveness, facilitate veterans’ reintegration, and deepen their contribution to national security.
Musa urged committee members to adopt innovative, practical, and forward-looking strategies that align with contemporary security and development realities, emphasising the need to build trust between local communities and the state.
Membership of the committee was drawn from the Joint Services Department of the Ministry of Defence, the Nigerian Legion, Defence Headquarters, the Defence Intelligence Agency, as well as the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and Nigerian Air Force.
Representatives from the Offices of the Honourable Minister of Defence and the Honourable Minister of State for Defence are also included.