The 37th National Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Retired Army, Navy, and Air Force Officers’ (RANAO) Association of Nigeria rounded up on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the Eliel Event Centre in Jos, Plateau State, with key discussions focused on national security, internal stability, and the role of retired military personnel in peacebuilding.
The event featured a keynote address by Major General Olasehinde Ishola Williams (Rtd), Executive Secretary of the PanAfricana Strategic and Policy Research Group (PANAFSTRAG), Lagos. In his presentation titled “Establishing Stability Operators of Nigeria International (STONi),” Gen. Williams proposed the establishment of STONi, a private safety and security initiative designed to work in collaboration with national and regional military and paramilitary institutions.
He emphasized a multi-level security framework spanning continental, regional, and national levels, advocating a shift from traditional national defense toward internal security in the face of regional collective security systems. According to him, “Safety with stability must be built from the bottom up, while territorial integrity is enforced from the top down.” He explained that with no immediate external threats, the focus should be on internal cohesion and peacebuilding.
STONi, as envisioned, would support law enforcement by focusing on border protection and addressing insurgency-related issues without replacing existing military or law enforcement agencies. Williams also outlined proposed mandates, cost analysis between public and private security engagements, and regulatory frameworks involving internal and external governmental bodies.
He recommended steps for operationalizing STONi, including registration as a non-governmental organization (NGO), the development of an organizational structure, and interim management to prepare a business plan. These steps, he said, would require approval from RANAO’s executive council and collaboration with relevant ministries such as Defence, Internal Affairs, and the Presidency.
Representing the Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Mutfwang, was Rt. Hon. Titus Ayuba Alams, former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly and Special Adviser on Workers’ Welfare and Public Affairs. Alams lauded the meeting, noting its significance in reshaping the narrative about Plateau State.
“This meeting has shown that Plateau is a safe, peaceful, and strategic destination for both national and international engagements,” Alams said. “The presence of highly respected retired military personnel sends a strong message that Plateau is open for business, tourism, and agriculture. Our people can go back to their farms, and visitors can feel safe to explore our state.”
In his address, RANAO National President Maj. Gen. Abdulrafiz Adewuyi (Rtd) stressed the urgency of addressing insecurity, which he described as the most pressing national concern. He urged collective responsibility in tackling the menace.
“Insecurity is the most talked-about issue in Nigeria today. It is not just a military or political concern—it is everybody’s business,” he said. “As veterans, we have a responsibility to continue offering our expertise and ideas. We need cohesion, peace, and stability, and we must keep the conversation going to find lasting solutions.”
Participants later broke into sessions to deliberate on the STONi proposal and other pressing security concerns. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by RANAO members to support national efforts toward peace, unity, and development.