By Muhammad Mamman
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly ruled out the deployment of foreign mercenaries in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against terrorism, insisting that national security challenges must be confronted and defeated by Nigerian forces.
Speaking in response to renewed calls from some political leaders and regional stakeholders advocating the use of foreign fighters to combat insurgency, Tinubu stressed that outsourcing the nation’s security would undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and long-term stability.
“We will not hand over our national security to foreign hands,” the president said, reiterating his confidence in the Nigerian Armed Forces and ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening defence operations.
The debate over foreign mercenaries has resurfaced in recent months as communities in the North grapple with persistent attacks linked to Boko Haram, ISWAP, and armed bandit groups. Critics of the government argue that Nigeria’s overstretched security forces require external reinforcement to regain control of troubled regions.
But Tinubu maintains that sustained investment in military capacity, intelligence coordination, and regional cooperation will deliver lasting results that external mercenaries cannot provide.
Security analysts are divided. While some agree that foreign fighters could offer temporary relief, others warn that such alliances risk escalating conflicts and creating new security dependencies.
The presidency has doubled down on military modernization efforts, ramping up recruitment and equipment acquisition as part of its broader national security overhaul.
For now, Tinubu’s stance signals a clear message: Nigeria intends to reclaim its security challenges from within—without the boots of foreign mercenaries on its soil.
