Niger moves to engage ex-servicemen to tackle insecurity

The Niger government says it is looking at the possibility of using ex-servicemen to fight security challenges in the state.

Umar Bago, governor of Niger, announced the development while speaking with reporters at the sideline of the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Minna, the state capital, on Monday.

Bago, who was represented by Yakubu Garba, his deputy, said the state government might engage the ex-servicemen because of their experience.

“They can advise us on what to do especially as the state is being ravaged by insecurity; most of them have seen what we are seeing today,” NAN quoted the Niger governor as saying.

“Because most of what is happening today is a re-emerging issue, they have seen war before and I believe they can help us with what we can do to be able to address insecurity in the state.”

He added that the state government would continue to assist wives and families of deceased soldiers.

Also speaking, Mamuda Ahmed, the state chairman of the Nigeria Legion, appreciated the Niger state government for giving hope to members of the legion.

He appealed to the government to employ the members of the legion who were trained by the military.