Military unveils plans to engage veterans in tackling rising violent conflicts

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Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede

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The Nigerian military has unveiled plans to formally engage retired personnel in efforts to address rising violent conflicts across the country through mediation, conflict resolution and community-based peacebuilding.

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The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, disclosed this at the flag-off of a mediation and conflict resolution skills training for veterans in Abuja.

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The training was organised by the Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF), in collaboration with the Mediation Training Institute and Defence Headquarters.

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The training is aimed at equipping retired military personnel with modern skills in mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution.

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Oluyede said the initiative reflects a strategic shift towards strengthening non-kinetic approaches in addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, where violent conflicts are increasingly driven by local disputes and community tensions.

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He stressed that military operations alone cannot guarantee lasting peace, noting that early intervention, dialogue and structured mediation remain critical to preventing escalation of violence.

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

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“Veterans possess the experience, discipline and credibility needed to intervene in community disputes and help prevent violence before it escalates.

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“They understand the cost of conflict and are uniquely positioned to promote dialogue, restraint and reconciliation at the grassroots level,” he said.

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The CDS explained that the initiative would also strengthen early warning systems and improve information flow from communities to security agencies, while remaining non-operational and complementary to existing security structures.

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The President of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans Association, Isaac Oguntuyi, described the programme as a continuation of national service, urging beneficiaries to cascade the training to other veterans across the country.

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He said retired personnel remain committed to national stability and must continue contributing to peacebuilding efforts.

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Similarly, National Coordinator of Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF), Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, said veterans were well placed to support intelligence gathering, community engagement and conflict prevention due to their operational experience.

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The initiative signals a growing emphasis within the military on preventive security strategies aimed at reducing pressure on frontline troops by addressing conflicts at their root.

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The training is expected to enhance grassroots mediation capacity and strengthen national efforts to reduce violent conflicts through non-kinetic means. (NAN)

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