Military deploys veterans to tackle rising conflicts nationwide

ABUJA — In a notable shift from purely combat-driven operations to dialogue-centred peacebuilding, the Nigerian military has moved to engage its retired officers and soldiers in efforts to stem the rising tide of violent conflicts across the country.

Speaking in Abuja at the launch of a mediation and conflict resolution training programme for veterans, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, said the initiative reflects a growing recognition that many of Nigeria’s conflicts are rooted within communities, where unresolved grievances and tensions often escalate into violence.

The training, organised by the Retired Members of Nigeria Armed Forces (REMENAF) in collaboration with the Mediation Training Institute and Defence Headquarters, is aimed at equipping former military personnel with contemporary skills in mediation, negotiation and conflict management.

Oluyede noted that the experience, discipline and credibility of veterans position them uniquely to intervene in fragile situations and foster dialogue before disputes degenerate into violence.

“This initiative reflects the understanding that sustainable security requires both kinetic and non-kinetic responses,” he said.

“Veterans understand the cost of conflict because they have lived through it. That gives them the moral authority to promote dialogue, restraint and reconciliation at the grassroots level.”

He emphasised that while military force remains an essential tool in certain contexts, it cannot on its own guarantee enduring peace, particularly in conflicts driven by local disputes, mistrust and communal tensions.

Beyond mediation, the programme is also expected to strengthen early warning systems, as veterans embedded within communities can facilitate the timely flow of information to security agencies, helping to prevent crises before they escalate.

Officials stressed that the role of the veterans will remain strictly non-operational, serving instead as a bridge between communities and formal security structures.

For many of the retired personnel, the initiative offers an opportunity to continue serving the nation in a different capacity.

President of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans Association, Isaac Oguntuyi, described the programme as an extension of national duty, urging participants to cascade the training to other veterans across the country.

He maintained that retired personnel remain a valuable national asset and must continue to contribute meaningfully to peacebuilding and stability.

Similarly, the National Coordinator of REMENAF, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, said veterans are well placed to support intelligence gathering, community engagement and conflict prevention, given their operational experience and deep understanding of security dynamics.

The initiative underscores a broader recalibration within the military towards preventive, community-based security strategies, aimed at addressing conflicts at their roots and reducing the burden on frontline troops.