The federal government has announced plans to engage retired military personnel to reclaim ungoverned spaces and strengthen national security across the country. The announcement was made during the inauguration of an 18-member committee by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in Abuja.
A statement by Enderline Chukwu, deputy director of information and public relations at the ministry, said the minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Richard Pheelangwa. Committee membership spans the Joint Services Department, Nigeria Legion, Defence Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Army, Navy, Air Force, and offices of the Defence Minister and Minister of State Defence.
“The initiative is a deliberate and strategic policy to address structural and operational challenges limiting the contribution of the defence community to national development,” the statement quoted the minister.
The committee’s key responsibilities include:
Repositioning the veteran community to support economic development
Deploying veterans to secure Ungoverned Spaces and bring them under state oversight
Strengthening operational effectiveness and promoting veterans’ contribution to national security
Gen. Musa emphasized that while military operations are essential, enduring peace requires addressing socio-economic factors that fuel insecurity. He also highlighted the importance of repositioning the Nigeria Legion, ensuring veterans live dignified and productive lives, and adopting innovative, community-focused approaches to security.
Curfews in Kwara LGAs as Part of Ongoing Security Operations
Security challenges in Kwara State prompted Edu and Ifelodun Local Government Areas to impose 24-hour curfews on January 27–28, 2026.
Authorities said the curfews aim to disrupt bandit movements, protect lives, and support ongoing military operations. Both human and vehicular traffic are prohibited in affected areas, including Gbugbu community and the Oro-ago District.
The state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, confirmed the curfews, noting they help track bandits fleeing operations and identify community informants supporting criminal networks.
Over 100 Bandits Neutralised in Ongoing Operations
Sustained military air and ground operations across parts of Kwara State have forced armed bandits to flee forest hideouts, resulting in the destruction of criminal camps and the neutralisation of over 100 terrorists, according to Elder Olaitan Oyin Zubair, Coordinator of the Joint Security Watch, Kwara South.
Operations, codenamed “Operation India,” targeted major bandit enclaves in Baba Sango forest and surrounding areas in Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi LGAs. Some fleeing bandits sustained gunshot injuries, and six are receiving treatment at Omuaran General Hospital, while others are believed to have relocated toward Ekiti LGA.
Zubair also reported a recent kidnapping along the Idofin–Odo Aga–Olla Road, where two women and a young boy were abducted. One elderly woman was released, another escaped, but the boy remains in captivity. Security agencies are intensifying efforts to secure his release.
He commended forest guards in Ekiti and Oke-Ero LGAs for preventing the infiltration of fleeing criminals and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
Searched:
Gen Christopher Musa
Nigerian military operations
Retired soldiers national security
Edu LGA curfew
Ifelodun LGA curfew
Baba Sango forest
Joint Security Watch Kwara
