Federal Government Opposes Use of Foreign Mercenaries to Combat Terrorism

The Nigerian federal government has categorically ruled out the option of hiring foreign mercenaries to address the nation’s ongoing security challenges, including insurgency and banditry. The stance was reiterated during a recent press briefing where top government officials emphasized the importance of leveraging local security forces to confront the threats.

Speaking on the matter, the Minister of Defence reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s military capacity rather than outsourcing security operations. He highlighted that engaging foreign mercenaries could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and erode confidence in the armed forces. “Our priority remains equipping and motivating our troops to deliver results,” the minister stated.

This announcement comes amid calls from various quarters for the deployment of foreign mercenaries to assist in combating escalating insecurity, particularly in regions plagued by terrorist activities. Proponents argue that the specialized training and experience of mercenaries could provide a much-needed boost to Nigeria’s security efforts.

However, government officials maintain that such a move is not sustainable. According to the Minister of Information, deploying mercenaries may offer temporary relief but could lead to long-term dependency and significant financial implications. “We are focusing on enhancing the capabilities of our military through better training, modern equipment, and strategic partnerships,” he said.

The government’s stance aligns with ongoing initiatives to modernize the armed forces. These include increased budget allocations for defense, acquisition of advanced weaponry, and collaboration with international allies for intelligence sharing and capacity building. The administration also called on citizens to support security agencies by providing timely information to enhance counter-insurgency operations.

Meanwhile, some security analysts have expressed mixed reactions to the government’s decision. While some agree that reliance on mercenaries could weaken the country’s military structure, others argue that the urgency of the current crisis warrants every possible measure to restore stability.

The nation continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, including attacks by Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandits across the northern region. Despite the efforts of security agencies, the scale and frequency of incidents have raised concerns about their effectiveness in addressing these threats.

As debates persist, the government has reiterated its confidence in the armed forces to turn the tide against insurgents and restore peace. Citizens and stakeholders have been urged to remain patient as ongoing reforms in the security sector begin to yield results.