Retired Military Officers to be Enlisted into Community Policing Initiative, Says FG
The Federal Government has unveiled plans to integrate retired military officers into community policing efforts across the country as part of renewed measures to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security system and reclaim areas affected by insecurity.
According to government sources, the initiative will be implemented under the “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme” (RUSEB-P) — a new security framework designed to tackle insurgency, banditry, and other forms of criminality in ungoverned spaces.
Speaking on the development, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described retired officers as “strategic partners for today and tomorrow,” noting that their wealth of experience, discipline, and familiarity with security operations will be invaluable to the nation’s current safety challenges. Ribadu emphasized that many parts of the country had become difficult to police due to insurgent activities and criminal networks, hence the need to involve seasoned veterans who understand the terrain and the demands of security service.
Under the proposed structure, the retired officers will assist local security agencies and community policing networks in gathering intelligence, securing vulnerable areas, and helping restore government presence in communities where terrorists and bandits operate.
The plan is expected to enhance collaboration between the military, police, and local vigilante groups, while also providing employment opportunities for veterans who have served the country.
The Federal Government believes that redeploying retired officers to support community policing will not only improve response to threats but also promote public trust in security agencies at the grassroots level.
However, officials have yet to provide details on the number of officers to be absorbed, the specific regions targeted for the pilot phase, or the budgetary framework for the programme.
Security analysts have welcomed the idea but urged caution, warning that the veterans must be properly retrained in civilian engagement and human rights practices to prevent potential misuse of force.
They also called for clear oversight structures to avoid jurisdictional overlap between the veterans and the Nigeria Police Force.
For many Nigerians, the policy offers a glimmer of hope amid persistent insecurity in rural communities. If successfully implemented, it could strengthen intelligence gathering, increase security visibility, and contribute to stabilising regions long plagued by criminal elements.
The government is expected to release additional operational details in the coming weeks as preparations advance for the formal rollout of the RUSEB-P programme.
