RUSEB-P: Fed Govt Mobilizes Veterans to Rebuild, Secure Insurgency-Hit Areas
The Federal Government has announced plans to engage retired military veterans in farming, mining, and other productive ventures across communities reclaimed from insurgents and bandits, as part of its strategy to consolidate security gains and drive economic recovery in affected regions.
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru l, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the National Defence College, Abuja, to flag off preparations for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).
He said the initiative, known as the “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P)”, aims to leverage the discipline, experience, and expertise of retired but able-bodied veterans to strengthen local security and stimulate economic development in previously volatile areas.
“RUSEB-P will engage veterans to reinforce local security and initiate projects such as farming and mining,” the Minister said. “By empowering our retired soldiers to reclaim and cultivate these communities, we will prevent the resurgence of terrorism and restore sustainable livelihoods.”
According to Badaru, a dedicated committee is finalising the framework for the programme’s rollout, which will operate in partnership with state governments, traditional institutions, and private investors to ensure sustainability.
He noted that the initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader effort to transform military success into long-term economic stability.
“The Armed Forces have done well to reclaim these spaces,” he said. “Now, our veterans—who understand the terrain and the people—will help us turn those spaces into centres of peace and productivity.”
Badaru reaffirmed that the welfare of both serving personnel and retired veterans remains a core pillar of the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the defence sector.
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He highlighted several ongoing welfare initiatives, including the payment of ₦18 billion in Group Life Insurance benefits to families of fallen soldiers, the review of the Nigerian Legion Act to establish the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN), and the launch of a digital Veterans Databank and Call Centre for improved service delivery.
The Minister said the welfare drive is anchored on the “Soldier First” initiative, which seeks to ensure that serving personnel and veterans live under dignified and supportive conditions.
“The strength of any military lies not just in its platforms, but in its people,” he stated. “That’s why we are determined to uphold the dignity of every soldier—those in service, and those who have served.”
He added that the Ministry has invested in modernizing barracks, upgrading medical facilities such as the Invictus Care Centre for wounded personnel, and expanding healthcare coverage under the Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) to over 400,000 active and retired beneficiaries nationwide.
“security-to-development” framework—ensuring that gains made on the battlefield translate into prosperity at the grassroots.
Under the RUSEB-P framework, veterans will help stabilize resettled communities, support agricultural productivity, and provide local security advisory roles to deter the return of criminal elements.
Badaru emphasized that sustaining peace requires whole-of-society participation, calling on civil society, academia, and the private sector to collaborate with the Ministry in rebuilding affected areas.
“The task of national security cannot be left to the military alone,” he said. “We need every Nigerian to play a role in rebuilding our communities and honouring the sacrifices of those who defended them.”
As part of the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration, activities will include the National Emblem Appeal Launch by President Bola Tinubu, religious services, humanitarian outreach, symposiums, and a grand Wreath-Laying Ceremony scheduled for January 15, 2026, at the National Arcade, Abuja.
Badaru urged Nigerians to wear the remembrance emblem with pride, support military families, and participate in the upcoming “Thank A Soldier” digital campaign, designed to allow citizens at home and abroad to send personalized messages of gratitude to serving troops.
“Let us unite behind those who defend us,” he said. “Their courage, sacrifice, and unity are the pillars of our democracy and the foundation of our national peace.”
By PRNigeria
