Former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, has called on the Federal Government to establish a national forum to harness the experience and expertise of retired military generals and veterans in strengthening Nigeria’s security and governance systems.
Speaking on ARISE News on Tuesday, Ejiofor said the country was yet to fully utilise the “vast pool of talent, discipline and strategic capacity” available among its retired officers, many of whom remain capable and willing to serve.
“We must appreciate our veterans, our retired generals, who have done their best in contributing their quota to the fight against insecurity. Many of them are still young, very capable, and can serve as consultants. We need to come together, harness their resources and support our regular forces,” he said.
Ejiofor revealed that he was working on a proposal to create an umbrella platform that would bring together all retired officers from the military, paramilitary and intelligence services across the country.
“There is virtually no community in Nigeria without one retired officer. We should get everybody together under one umbrella to support our armed forces. We cannot leave this fight to our military alone; we need synergy,” he said.
He agreed with growing calls for the establishment of a formal advisory council for retired generals to guide the government on security and development matters.
“I completely agree with that. Many of them retire not because they want to, but due to seniority. It is sad because the country has spent so much training them. They still have a lot to offer,” Ejiofor stated.
He praised initiatives such as the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, which he said already brings together retired generals to conduct research and provide policy advice, describing it as “the right direction.”
Ejiofor also warned that leaving retired officers idle could be counterproductive.
“An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. The government should deliberately bring these people together, retrain them, and make them consultants. Those who fought in the field have invaluable experience that can assist our regular forces,” he said.
On the integration of retired generals into civilian life, Ejiofor stressed that the government must create deliberate policies to bridge the gap between the military and civilian populations.
“If you leave the fight against insecurity to the military alone, we’re not going to win. The government must make life more bearable and take deliberate measures to build public confidence so that citizens can volunteer information and support our security forces,” he said.
Ejiofor also called for reforms to reposition the Nigeria Police Force and reduce the military’s involvement in civil affairs.
“We are in a democracy. The military’s main role is to defend our territorial integrity, not to handle civil matters. We must strengthen the police in terms of welfare and funding so the military can return to the background except where necessary,” he said.
On regional peacekeeping, the former DSS director said retired generals could be invaluable in research, conflict resolution and strategic engagement across West Africa.
“Government can still engage them and pay stipends. Some retired officers can conduct research and export solutions to other countries in the sub-region. The crises we face are not peculiar to Nigeria—they cut across West Africa. These veterans can help shape collective responses,” Ejiofor said.
He concluded by emphasising that integrating retired generals into national and regional security frameworks would not only enhance Nigeria’s defence strategy but also provide meaningful engagement for veterans who have served the nation.
“Getting them involved will boost morale, improve research-based solutions, and strengthen cooperation across the West African sub-region,” he added.
Boluwatife Enome
Follow us on:
