Defence Minister Inaugurates 18-Man Committee to Reclaim Ungoverned Spaces, Reposition Nigerian Legion

Defence Minister Inaugurates 18-Man Committee to Reclaim Ungoverned Spaces, Reposition Nigerian Legion

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), has inaugurated an 18-member committee on “Reclaiming Ungoverned Spaces for Economic Viability and the Repositioning of the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans,” as part of renewed efforts to strengthen veterans’ welfare and deepen their participation in national security.

ALSO READ: Governor Kefas Seeks Expanded Naval Presence in Taraba During Courtesy Visit to Naval Chief

The inauguration ceremony was held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the Ministry of Defence headquarters, Ship House, Abuja.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Richard Pheelangwa, the Minister described the Nigerian Legion as a critical institution with a proud legacy of service, sacrifice and patriotism. He noted that the Legion has continued to play important roles in supporting national security and veterans’ affairs, adding that evolving socio-economic realities make it imperative to reform and reposition the Corps for greater relevance and sustainability.

Gen. Musa explained that the initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to ensure that veterans who served the nation with honour are empowered to live dignified and productive lives after service. He described the move as a deliberate policy intervention aimed at addressing long-standing structural and operational challenges that have limited the defence community’s contribution to national development.

The Minister also advocated a strategic shift from an overreliance on military offensives to a more inclusive and sustainable approach to national security, stressing that while military operations remain indispensable, lasting peace can only be achieved by tackling the socio-economic drivers of insecurity.

He outlined three terms of reference for the committee: repositioning the veteran community to support national economic development; deploying veterans to secure ungoverned spaces and bring them under effective oversight and development; and strengthening the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires to enhance operational effectiveness, facilitate veterans’ reintegration and promote their contribution to national security.

Urging members to adopt innovative and forward-looking approaches, Gen. Musa said the deliberate integration of veterans into security and development initiatives would improve intelligence gathering, enhance community trust and promote local ownership of peace efforts.

He expressed optimism that the committee would deliver actionable recommendations capable of supporting a holistic national strategy for securing ungoverned spaces while fostering inclusive economic growth and sustainable peace.

Membership of the committee was drawn from the Joint Services Department of the Ministry, the Nigerian Legion, Defence Headquarters, Defence Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as representatives from the offices of the Honourable Minister of Defence and the Honourable Minister of State for Defence.

Defence Minister Inaugurates 18-Man Committee to Reclaim Ungoverned Spaces, Reposition Nigerian Legion