A Call for the Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Support of Former Nigerian Soldiers
To: The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the National Assembly, the Ministry of Defence, and Relevant Security Authorities.
We, the concerned citizens of Nigeria, respectfully call on the Federal Government to urgently address the growing neglect and hardship faced by former Nigerian soldiers who voluntarily discharged from the Nigerian Army before reaching pension age, particularly from the year 2000 till date.
These men once dedicated their strength, loyalty, and lives to the service and protection of our nation. They defended Nigeria during difficult times, maintained peace and order, and stood ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for the safety of citizens. However, after leaving the military, many of them were left without adequate support, compensation, or opportunities to rebuild their lives.
Today, countless former soldiers with clean service records are suffering from unemployment, poverty, frustration, and abandonment despite the valuable skills, discipline, and experience they still possess. Many of them are willing and capable of contributing positively to national development, security, and community growth, yet they remain ignored.
The continued neglect of these former servicemen is not only unfair but also dangerous to national stability. At a time when Nigeria is battling insecurity, insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, and rising crime rates, it is important to recognize that these trained and experienced individuals can still play meaningful roles in strengthening national security and peace-building efforts.
Therefore, we humbly demand the following:
- The immediate establishment of a federal rehabilitation and empowerment program for voluntarily discharged soldiers with good service records.
- Proper financial support, compensation, and welfare packages to help former soldiers rebuild their lives with dignity.
- Employment opportunities, vocational training, business support, and educational empowerment for ex-servicemen and their families.
- A structured reintegration program for willing and medically fit former soldiers to return to national service, community security, training, and development initiatives.
- Equal recognition, respect, and care for former soldiers who served Nigeria faithfully but left service before pension qualification.
Nigeria must not abandon those who once protected her. A nation that values its defenders builds stronger unity, peace, and security for future generations.
We believe that supporting former soldiers is not an act of charity — it is a moral responsibility and a strategic investment in national stability and development.
We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, security stakeholders, youth groups, and human rights advocates to support this cause and lend their voices to this urgent national appeal.
Together, let us restore hope, dignity, and purpose to the men who once stood for Nigeria.
Signed: Coach David Ehizojie (A joy of many generations).
Concerned Citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.