The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has emphasised a shift toward inclusive security where veterans, communities, and state actors collaborate.
Mallam Ribadu stated this at the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 18 Regular Course held in Abuja.
He delivered a lecture titled “Veterans As Significant National Assets” and proposed a National Veteran Security Initiative to leverage the expertise of retired officers in intelligence, training, and peacebuilding.
He noted that Security is not just the job of soldiers and police.
It is everybody’s business and our success is due to the unified approach of all security agencies, working as one team.
“Veterans are being called back, not to the battlefield, but to the strategy room, to the classrooms, and into their communities.
“At a time when security threats have evolved beyond traditional battlefields, Nigeria is looking back to move forward, by turning to those who once stood at the frontlines.
“You are not just assets to be admired, you are partners to be engaged, advisors to be consulted, and leaders to be followed.” Ribadu said.
Mal. Ribadu commended the veterans whom he said helped shape Nigeria’s defence landscape through decades of service, from battling civil unrest and insurgencies to peacekeeping operations abroad.
The NSA explained that this makes them a strategic national asset in the country’s current security architecture.
He outlined a plan to systematically integrate veterans into Nigeria’s contemporary security strategy by creating a National Veteran Security Initiative, a platform to build a national database of veteran expertise.
In a remark, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, lauded the initiative and urged NDA alumni across generations to emulate the Course 18 cohort in upholding the ideals of patriotism and service.
Dr Matawalle pledged the commitment of the Federal Government to continue to enhance the welfare of the veterans.
The Chairman of the occasion, retired Maj.-Gen Ike Nwachukwu, who served as the Adjutant and Cadet Battalion Commander (Instructor) of Course 18 in 1975, praised their enduring loyalty and contributions to nation building.
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and one-time Military Governor of old Imo State, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) lauded the efforts of Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika, a Course 18 cadet under his mentorship, for his outstanding service as the 22nd Chief of Army Staff.
He said that Ihejirika proudly spearheaded crucial counterinsurgency operations and expanded military formations nationwide between 2010 and 2014.
On his part the former Chief Lt.General Azubuike Ihejirika advocated for compulsory military training for all Nigerians to instill a culture of patriotism, discipline, and national unity.
Royal Father of the Day and Supreme Islamic Leader, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, also a member of RC 18, called for sustained national devotion.
He urged veterans to lead in inspiring civic responsibility.
Also speaking, the President of 18th Regular Course, retired Air Commodore Isaac Oguntuyi, revealed that only 47 of the 149 cadets who began training on June 30, 1975, are still alive.
He paid special tribute to Sa’ad Abubakar and Ihejirika for their historic accomplishments, describing them as pillars of the group’s enduring legacy.
Among the dignitaries who graces the occasion were Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa, representatives of the Minister of Defence and representatives of Service Chiefs.