Boko Haram: No Need For Mercenaries – Defence Headquarters

Lordson Okpetu

In a swift reaction to a recent media report that the Nigerian Army is considering engaging the services of mercenaries to prosecute the war against Boko Haram insurgents, the defence headquarters has stated that the Nigerian armed forces do not need mercenaries to end a war that it has already won.

This was contained in a statement issued by the acting Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, and obtained by Concise News. The Nigerian military also described the Wednesday media report as mischievous.

“The Defence Headquarters read with dismay the disturbing report on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 edition of a newspaper claiming that foreign mercenaries would be used to fight the Boko Haram sect. This story is not only mischievous and unfounded but also lacks merit and is far from the truth.

“The DHQ wishes to state, with emphasis, that the Nigerian Armed Forces have the capacity and capability to clear the remnants of the terrorists from our land. That is what the military has been doing. It is not necessary or logical to go for mercenaries after winning the battle against Boko Haram insurgents.

“The pocket of attacks by the fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in the last few days are isolated, though regrettable. That does not call for serious concerns. It is not uncommon worldwide for such occurrence in any area that was once infested by terrorist groups,” reads part of the statement.

Report is mischievous

The defence headquarters described the media report as the handwork of mischief makers.

“Those peddling rumours on the use of mercenaries are mischievous. They have done it before and failed and are at it again.

“Surely, they will definitely fail this time also. The unprecedented successes recorded against the deadly Boko Haram sect by the Nigerian military without seeking external force is there for all to see.

The statement also urged Nigerians to ignore the media report as it was created for selfish interest.