The Federal Government has announced renewed efforts to reclaim ungoverned spaces across the country while repositioning military veterans as a strategic component of national security and economic development.
The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of an 18-member committee established to drive the reforms.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, Musa said the initiative was aimed at improving veterans’ welfare and ensuring their meaningful participation in safeguarding the nation and contributing to development efforts.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs Enderline Chukwu, the minister said changing socio-economic realities had made it imperative to reform and reposition the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and military veterans for increased relevance and sustainability.
He described the Nigerian Legion as a vital national institution with a long-standing legacy of service, sacrifice and patriotism, noting its continued contributions to national security and veterans’ affairs.
According to Musa, the policy represents a shift from excessive dependence on kinetic military operations to a more inclusive and comprehensive national security framework.
While stressing that military operations remain essential, the minister said sustainable peace could only be achieved by addressing the socio-economic conditions that enable insecurity to thrive.
He explained that the committee’s mandate includes deploying veterans to help secure ungoverned areas, repositioning them to support economic activities, and strengthening the Nigerian Legion to enhance its operational effectiveness.
Musa noted that integrating veterans into security and development initiatives would enhance intelligence gathering, build trust within communities and promote local ownership of security efforts.
He expressed confidence that the committee would deliver practical recommendations capable of supporting a holistic approach to securing ungoverned spaces, driving inclusive economic growth and achieving lasting peace.
The committee comprises representatives drawn from defence, intelligence and veterans’ institutions, underscoring a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to ongoing security reforms.