The federal government says it is intensifying efforts to reclaim ungoverned spaces and reposition military veterans as part of a broader strategy to enhance national security and economic growth.

Defence minister Christopher Musa said this on Tuesday in Abuja during the inauguration of an 18-member committee set up to drive the reforms.

Mr Musa said the initiative was designed to strengthen veterans’ welfare and ensure their active participation in securing the country and supporting national development, according to a statement on Wednesday.

According to the minister, evolving socio-economic realities necessitate reforming and repositioning the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and veterans to ensure greater relevance and sustainability.

Mr Musa described the Nigerian Legion as a critical institution with a long history of service, sacrifice, and patriotism, noting that it continues to support national security and veterans’ affairs. He said the policy marked a strategic shift from over-reliance on purely kinetic military operations to a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to national security.

Mr Musa explained that while military operations remained indispensable, lasting peace could only be achieved by addressing socio-economic conditions that allow insecurity to persist.

The minister outlined the committee’s mandate to include deploying veterans to secure ungoverned spaces, repositioning them to support economic development, and strengthening the Nigerian Legion for improved operational effectiveness.

He said the deliberate integration of veterans into security and development initiatives would improve intelligence gathering, foster community trust, and enhance local ownership of security efforts.

Mr Musa expressed optimism that the committee would produce actionable recommendations to support a holistic national strategy for securing ungoverned spaces, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable peace.

(NAN)