As Nigeria grapples with rising local conflicts, the military is tapping into the experience of retired personnel to drive peacebuilding at the grassroots level through mediation and dialogue.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, disclosed this at the flag-off of a mediation and conflict resolution training for veterans in Abuja on Monday.
The programme, organised by the Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces in collaboration with the Mediation Training Institute and Defence Headquarters, is designed to equip ex-service personnel with modern skills in negotiation, dialogue, and dispute resolution.
Oluyede said the initiative reflects a strategic shift towards non-kinetic approaches to security, noting that many of Nigeria’s current challenges stem from local disputes and community tensions.
He stressed that military action alone cannot deliver lasting peace, adding that early intervention, structured mediation, and dialogue remain key to preventing escalation.
According to him, veterans bring experience, discipline, and credibility that can help resolve disputes and promote reconciliation at community level.
He also noted that the initiative would strengthen early warning systems and improve information flow from communities to security agencies, while remaining complementary to existing security operations.
President of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans Association, Isaac Oguntuyi, described the programme as a continuation of national service, urging participants to extend the training to other veterans nationwide.
Similarly, the National Coordinator of REMENAF, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, said retired personnel are well positioned to support intelligence gathering, community engagement, and conflict prevention.
The initiative reflects a growing focus within the military on preventive security strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of conflict and reducing pressure on frontline troops.
The training is expected to strengthen grassroots mediation capacity and support broader national efforts to reduce violent conflicts through non-kinetic means.
