27.4.2026
The Nigerian military has announced plans to formally involve retired personnel in efforts to curb rising levels of violent conflict across the country through mediation, conflict resolution, and community-based peacebuilding.
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.
The training was organised by the Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces (REMENAF) in collaboration with the Mediation Training Institute and the Defence Headquarters.
The training is aimed at equipping retired military personnel with modern skills in mediation, negotiation and conflict resolution.
Mr Oluyede said the initiative reflects a strategic shift towards strengthening non-kinetic approaches to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges, in which violent conflicts are increasingly driven by local disputes and community tensions.
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.
“This initiative reflects the understanding that sustainable security requires both kinetic and non-kinetic responses.
“Veterans possess the experience, discipline and credibility needed to intervene in community disputes and help prevent violence before it escalates.
“They understand the cost of conflict and are uniquely positioned to promote dialogue, restraint and reconciliation at the grassroots level,” he said. NAN