The Nigerian military has unveiled a new strategy to address the country’s growing wave of violent conflicts, by turning to those who once fought on the frontlines.
Under the initiative, retired personnel will be formally engaged in mediation, conflict resolution, and community-based peacebuilding efforts aimed at curbing violence before it escalates.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, announced the plan at the flag-off of a mediation and conflict resolution training programme for veterans in Abuja.
The training, organised by the Retired Members of Nigeria Armed Forces (REMENAF) in collaboration with the Mediation Training Institute and Defence Headquarters, is designed to equip ex-servicemen with modern skills in negotiation, dialogue, and peacebuilding.
Oluyede said the programme represents a deliberate shift towards non-kinetic approaches in tackling Nigeria’s complex security challenges, where many conflicts stem from local disputes and community tensions rather than conventional threats.
He emphasised that military force alone cannot deliver lasting peace, highlighting the need for early intervention and structured dialogue mechanisms.
“This initiative reflects the understanding that sustainable security requires both kinetic and non-kinetic responses.
“Veterans possess the experience, discipline and credibility needed to intervene in community disputes and help prevent violence before it escalates.
“They understand the cost of conflict and are uniquely positioned to promote dialogue, restraint and reconciliation at the grassroots level,” he said.
According to the defence chief, the initiative will also strengthen early warning systems by improving the flow of information from communities to security agencies. He noted that the role of the veterans would remain non-operational and complementary to existing security structures.
Also speaking, President of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans Association, Isaac Oguntuyi, described the programme as an extension of national service. He urged participants to replicate the training across the country, ensuring wider impact among retired personnel.
Similarly, National Coordinator of REMENAF, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, said veterans are well positioned to support intelligence gathering, community engagement, and conflict prevention, given their operational background.
The initiative signals a growing shift within the military towards preventive security strategies—an approach aimed at easing pressure on active troops by addressing the root causes of violence.
With the training expected to boost grassroots mediation capacity, authorities say the programme could play a critical role in strengthening national efforts to reduce conflict through dialogue and early intervention.
