The Federal Government has announced plans to engage retired military personnel in community policing as part of a sweeping strategy to reclaim ungoverned spaces currently exploited by terrorists, bandits, and other violent groups.
The initiative, tagged Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P), will deploy “agile and experienced veterans” to strengthen local security architecture and stimulate economic activities in areas previously occupied by insurgents.
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing in Abuja to commence activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Badaru explained that RUSEB-P is designed to utilise the expertise of trained ex-military personnel to support security forces, prevent terrorist resurgence, and restore socio-economic life in affected communities.
According to him, “Engaging veterans to reinforce local security and initiate projects like farming and mining under RUSEB-P will prevent the resurgence of terrorism, revitalise local economies, and strengthen national security and cohesion.”
He said a dedicated committee was already finalising the implementation framework for the programme.
The minister also announced the introduction of a digital initiative known as the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, which will allow Nigerians at home and abroad to send messages of appreciation and support to military personnel and honour fallen heroes.
Badaru urged citizens to use the platform to acknowledge the sacrifices of troops who “embody valour, discipline and unity, the very pillars of our democracy.”
Providing updates on military operations nationwide, Badaru disclosed that Nigerian troops have recorded significant successes under the Tinubu administration.
He said security forces have neutralised over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested more than 17,000, rescued nearly 10,000 hostages, and destroyed 1,900 illegal refining sites.
He added that more than 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their families have surrendered to Nigerian authorities.
“These successful operations dismantled key terrorist enclaves, neutralised notorious bandit commanders, and restored peace to hundreds of communities, allowing displaced persons to return home,” he said.
Badaru also announced plans to strengthen welfare and reintegration support for veterans through digital innovations, including a new Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre.
He further revealed that the Nigerian Legion Act would be reviewed and renamed the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN) to modernise the legal framework governing veterans’ benefits.
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