The Federal Government has ruled out hiring mercenaries to combat terrorism and banditry in the northern region, citing the approach as unsustainable.
Speaking in Abuja yesterday during a joint press conference with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, emphasized the nation’s capacity to address its security challenges through its military and allied collaborations.
Tuggar noted that relying on private military companies is not a viable solution to Nigeria’s security issues. He stressed the importance of equipping local security agencies and fostering international partnerships, particularly with China, to address delays in foreign procurement of military hardware.
“Private military companies, no matter where they are coming from, are not the solution to tackling the country’s security challenges,” Tuggar said.
The minister called for the domestication of military equipment production, stating: “We want to work with countries like China in domesticating the production of military equipment, both kinetic and non-kinetic, to avoid delays caused by external procurement processes.”
Tuggar’s remarks come amidst renewed terrorist attacks in the North, including the emergence of new terror groups like Lakurawa. Recent attacks, such as the January 4 assault on the Army Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Damboa, Borno State, have reignited calls for the deployment of foreign mercenaries—a strategy last employed during the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
In response to the Damboa attack, Nigerian troops killed at least 46 terrorists in a counteroffensive. However, six soldiers lost their lives in the incident.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into the attack and extended his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.
Tuggar reiterated that international collaboration is key to defeating terrorism and commended Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting regional and continental peace and security. “Nigeria has consistently proved effective in leading efforts to address challenges to peace and security in our region and across the continent,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the visit of the Chinese foreign minister as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties. Discussions between the two nations focused on economic and political cooperation, as well as agreements in energy, agriculture, finance, infrastructure, and petrochemicals.
Tuggar praised China as a reliable ally and emphasized the need for partnerships that prioritize Nigeria’s direct involvement. “We will continue to work with countries such as China to address these challenges and ensure that private military companies and external interference are excluded,” he added.
The visit builds on the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and President Tinubu’s recent state visit to China, aiming to deepen collaboration across multiple sectors.
