The Federal Government has announced the re-absorption of 2,141 Civil War veterans into the military pensions scheme. These veterans, who fought on the Nigerian side but retired before completing the stipulated years of service required for a pension, will now be eligible to collect their military pensions.
The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, who disclosed this in Abuja, emphasized that this gesture “signifies a powerful demonstration of fairness and national reconciliation, aimed at ensuring all sacrifices of veterans are duly recognised.”
The successful enrollment of these veterans, who fought on the Nigerian side but retired prematurely, ensures that their sacrifices are finally recognized.
Strategic Plan to Reclaim Ungoverned Spaces (RUSEB-P)
The Minister also outlined the Federal Government’s plans to reclaim all ungoverned spaces in the country for economic benefits through a strategically designed programme known as the Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P).
This critical new initiative is specifically designed to leverage the expertise of retired, agile military veterans to restore security and promote economic development in previously insurgent-occupied areas.
Badaru stated that by engaging veterans to reinforce local security and initiate projects like farming and mining, RUSEB-P will prevent the resurgence of terrorism, revitalize local economies, and strengthen national security and cohesion.
A dedicated committee is currently finalizing the implementation framework for this forward-looking approach.
Beyond the re-absorption of the civil war veterans, the Ministry of Defence is implementing several other key reforms to reposition the support structure for ex-service members
