As part of a strategy to reclaim ungoverned spaces where the terrorists and bandits are hibernating, the federal government is making arrangements to engage military veterans for community policing tagged: “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P)”.
Abubakar Badaru, Nigerian Defence Minister, made the disclosure in Abuja on Wednesday at a press briefing to mark the formal commencement of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day and Celebration.
Badaru said the new initiative is strategically designed to leverage the expertise of retired, agile military veterans to restore security and promote economic development in previously insurgent-occupied areas.
He said a dedicated committee is currently finalising the implementation framework.
“Engaging veterans to reinforce local security and initiate projects like farming and mining, under RUSEB-P, will prevent the resurgence of terrorism, revitalize local economies, and strengthen national security and cohesion,” he said.
According to him, the strategic vision extends beyond immediate support, encompassing the long-term, impactful engagement of seasoned veterans.
Badaru said the ministry was also introducing the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, a digital initiative that enables Nigerians at home and abroad to send personalized messages of appreciation and encouragement to serving troops and pay tributes to the fallen.
The minister called on Nigerians to honour gallant men and women who embody valour, discipline, and unity, which are the very pillars of our democracy and symbols of our sovereignty.
According to him, within the administration of Tinubu, troops have neutralized 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 over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants and their families have surrendered.
“The successful operations led to the dismantling of key terrorist enclaves, the neutralisation of notorious bandit commanders and the restoration of peace to hundreds of communities, allowing displaced persons to return home,” he said.
Badaru said the government was also strengthening support for veterans through digital innovation, including the establishment of a “Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre.
He also revealed plans to review the Nigerian Legion Act, seeking to rename it the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN), adding that the reform will strengthen the legal framework for veterans’ benefits and reintegration programmes.
Veteran journalist and recipient of A.B.C Yola, Reporter of the Year Award (1997), Hassan Umar Shallpella, works with WAP as a Regional Correspondence. He was trained at Institute of Mass Communication and Technology Jos and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Training School Lagos.He was a News desk Editor and a Correspondent at the Punch newspaper and till 2019, was the Deputy Editor ofThe Scope newspaper.
Latest posts by Hassan Umar Shallpella (Regional Correspondent) (see all)
- Troops Rescue 74 NYSC Members In Borno From Terrorists - November 13, 2025
- Former EFCC Staff Faces Charges Of Stealing ₦22 million - November 13, 2025
- Government To Engage Retired To Fight Terrorists, Bandits - November 13, 2025
previous
Enugu State Colleges of Nursing Receive Equipment Support from WHO And FCDO
next