The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to reclaiming "ungoverned spaces", emote or conflict-affected areas plagued by terrorism, banditry, and insurgency by deploying experienced military veterans as a key pillar of national security and economic revitalization.
The initiative falls under the Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P), first announced by the Ministry of Defence in November 2025. It aims to leverage the discipline, local knowledge, and combat expertise of retired but agile veterans to reinforce community-level security, prevent the resurgence of violent groups, and kickstart productive activities such as farming, mining, and other rural enterprises in previously insecure regions.
Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru (who held the position at the time of the initial rollout) described the program as a strategic move to transform military gains into lasting stability. "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 stated during the launch briefing tied to preparations for the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
A dedicated committee has been finalizing the implementation framework, which will involve collaboration with state governments, traditional leaders, and private sector partners. The plan complements ongoing military operations under President Bola Tinubu's administration, which have reportedly neutralized thousands of terrorists, rescued hostages, and destroyed illegal refining sites.
Recent updates and recirculated announcements (including fresh posts on X today) highlight the program's ongoing momentum, with veterans positioned to support stabilization in resettled communities, provide security advisory roles, and deter criminal re-infiltration.
The move also ties into broader veteran welfare reforms, including a Veterans’ Databank, a call center for support, amendments to the Nigerian Legion Act (potentially renaming it the Veterans Federation of Nigeria), and initiatives like the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code for public appreciation of troops.
While no exact deployment timeline or scale has been detailed in the latest recirculations, the program is presented as a long-term investment in both security and socio-economic recovery for Nigeria's most vulnerable areas.
This development has sparked discussions online, with some users questioning whether veteran deployment alone can address root causes or if a more comprehensive strategy, including infrastructure, governance, and community engagement is needed.
The Federal Government continues to emphasize that reclaiming these spaces is essential for national unity, economic growth, and sustainable peace. Further details on rollout are expected as the program advances.
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