The Federal Government has unveiled fresh measures aimed at tightening control over ungoverned areas while harnessing the expertise of military veterans to strengthen national security and drive economic development.
The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Musa, made this known on Tuesday in Abuja at the inauguration of an 18-member committee established to advance the reform agenda.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Richard Pheelangwa, the minister said the initiative seeks to improve veterans’ welfare and ensure their meaningful involvement in security operations and national development efforts.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs Enderline Chukwu, the ministry noted that the reforms were informed by changing socio-economic realities confronting the country.
According to Musa, the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and military veterans must be repositioned to remain relevant, effective and sustainable in the face of emerging security and development challenges.
He described the Nigerian Legion as a historic institution built on service, sacrifice and patriotism, adding that it continues to play a vital role in supporting national security objectives and veterans’ affairs.
The minister explained that the policy represents a shift from reliance solely on kinetic military responses to a broader, more inclusive national security framework.
While affirming the continued importance of military operations, Musa stressed that long-term peace can only be achieved by addressing the socio-economic factors that fuel insecurity.
He said the committee’s responsibilities include deploying veterans to assist in securing ungoverned spaces, repositioning them to contribute to economic activities and strengthening the Nigerian Legion to enhance its operational capacity.
Musa added that integrating veterans into security and development initiatives would boost intelligence gathering, deepen community trust and encourage greater local participation in security efforts.
He expressed confidence that the committee would deliver practical recommendations to support a comprehensive strategy for restoring stability, promoting inclusive growth and sustaining peace across the country.
The committee comprises representatives from defence, intelligence and veterans-related institutions, underscoring the government’s coordinated approach to the ongoing security and institutional reforms.