The federal government has announced plans to involve retired military officers in community policing to reclaim areas previously controlled by terrorists and bandits.

The initiative, titled the “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P),” aims to harness the expertise of military veterans to restore security and stimulate economic development.

Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru disclosed the initiative during a press briefing in Abuja marking the commencement of the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

He explained that the programme will involve veterans in reinforcing local security and initiating projects in agriculture, mining, and other sectors to prevent the resurgence of insurgency while revitalizing local economies.

Badaru added that a dedicated committee is finalizing the implementation framework. He also highlighted digital initiatives to support veterans and troops, including a “Thank A Soldier” QR Code for sending messages of appreciation, and plans to review the Nigerian Legion Act, renaming it the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN) to strengthen legal protections and reintegration programmes.

The minister noted that under President Tinubu’s administration, over 13,000 terrorists have been neutralized, more than 17,000 arrested, nearly 10,000 hostages rescued, and 1,900 illegal refining sites destroyed. More than 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants and their families have surrendered, enabling displaced communities to return home.

Through these measures, the government seeks to combine security operations with socio-economic interventions, ensuring sustainable peace and development in previously unstable regions.

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