The Federal Government says it will engage retired military officers in community policing to help reclaim ungoverned spaces from terrorists and bandits. The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, announced this at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday as part of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
He said the initiative, known as the ‘Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme’ (RUSEB-P), is designed to harness the expertise of agile veterans to restore security and drive economic activities such as farming and mining in previously insecure areas.
Mr. Badaru said the ministry is also introducing a digital platform called “Thank A Soldier,” which allows Nigerians at home and abroad to send personalised messages of appreciation to serving troops and pay tribute to fallen heroes. He disclosed that under the Tinubu administration, troops have neutralised more than 13,000 terrorists, arrested over 17,000 suspects, and rescued nearly 10,000 hostages.
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The minister further announced plans to establish a Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre to strengthen support for ex-service members. He also revealed that the Nigerian Legion Act will be reviewed and renamed the ‘Veterans Federation of Nigeria’ to provide a stronger legal framework for veterans’ welfare and reintegration programmes.
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