The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has disclosed that the Armed Forces was engaging veterans in its new initiative “Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P).”
The minister also launched the “Thank A Soldier” QR code for Nigerians to send personalised messages to front-line soldiers.
Badaru spoke on Wednesday at a press briefing, marking the formal commencement of activities for the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day (AFCRD).
He said the RUSEB-P programme was strategically designed to leverage the expertise of retired, agile military veterans to restore security and promote economic development in previously insurgent-occupied areas.
He said, “By engaging veterans to reinforce local security and initiate projects like farming and mining, RUSEB-P will prevent the resurgence of terrorism, revitalise local economies, and strengthen national security and cohesion”.
He said a dedicated committee was currently finalising the implementation framework, stating that the strategic vision extends beyond immediate support, encompassing long-term, impactful engagement with seasoned veterans.
“To this end, the Ministry is developing a critical new initiative named the ‘Reclaiming the Ungoverned Space for Economic Benefits Programme (RUSEB-P),” he added.
Badaru said the Ministry was also introducing the “Thank A Soldier” QR Code, a digital initiative that enables Nigerians at home and abroad to send personalised messages of appreciation and encouragement to serving troops and pay tributes to the fallen.
“The ‘Thank A Soldier’ QR Code will be launched immediately following this briefing, aligning with our drive to modernise engagement through digital inclusion and youth participation,” Badaru said.
He called on all Nigerians to honour gallant men and women who embody valour, discipline and unity, which are the very pillars of our democracy and symbols of our sovereignty.
Badaru said troops within the administration of President Bola Tinubu have neutralised over 13,000 terrorists and criminals, arrested more than 17,000, rescued nearly 10,000 hostages and destroyed 1,900 illegal refining sites.
He said over 100,000 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants and their families have also surrendered to the military.
According to him, the successful operations led to the dismantling of key terrorist enclaves, neutralisation of notorious bandit commanders and the restoration of peace to hundreds of communities, allowing displaced persons to return home.
Badaru said the government was also strengthening support for veterans through digital innovation, including the establishment of a “Veterans’ Databank and Call Centre.
He explained that the initiative, which will be formally launched as part of the AFCRD 2026 activities, will provide a central platform for efficient service delivery, improved response time to grievances and highly targeted welfare support.
Badaru also revealed plans to review the Nigerian Legion Act, seeking to rename it the Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN).
The minister said the reform will strengthen the legal framework for veterans’ benefits and reintegration programmes.
He added that the ministry, in demonstration of fairness and national reconciliation, has successfully enrolled 2,141 Civil War veterans who fought on the Nigerian side but retired before meeting the stipulated pension qualifying years, ensuring all sacrifices are duly recognised.
On both troops’ and veterans’ welfare, he said the Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML) now serves over 400,000 enrollees, including more than 205,000 veterans and their families, guaranteeing comprehensive primary, secondary, and tertiary care across every state.
