Tinubu Rejects Use of Foreign Mercenaries in Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorism

President Bola Tinubu has ruled out the use of private military contractors known as mercenaries in Nigeria’s battle against terrorism.

He said the country will not outsource core security responsibilities to foreign mercenaries under any circumstance.

Tinubu delivered the position on Monday in Luanda, Angola, during the first plenary session of the 7th African Union–European Union Summit, where he spoke through Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The President told African leaders and EU officials that Nigeria is deeply concerned about the spread of private security firms across the continent.

According to him, the trend is weakening state institutions and complicating peace efforts.
He said African nations must take full ownership of their security challenges.

“We stand resolutely against the use of private military and security companies in African conflicts, as their presence often complicates resolution efforts and undermines state sovereignty,” Shettima said, conveying Tinubu’s message.

Tinubu insisted that coordinated state-led action remains the only effective way to defeat terrorism, organised crime and other violent threats.

He noted that Nigeria’s long history in ECOWAS and AU peace missions reflects its preference for structured, government-driven interventions rather than fragmented, unregulated forces.

The President also expressed worry that the global retreat from multilateral cooperation is creating more instability.

He explained that the AU–EU platform is one of the last remaining structures where Africa still engages as a collective with global partners.

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to security reforms at the global level.
He said Africa deserves permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council.

“It is time for Africa to occupy permanent seats on the UN Security Council, with all attendant privileges, including the veto,” he said.

The Nigerian leader maintained that global governance must reflect contemporary realities, not outdated arrangements.

He urged EU countries to support Africa’s push for genuine negotiations under the Intergovernmental Negotiations framework.

Tinubu highlighted several steps already taken by his administration.
He said the government has combined kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to weaken extremist groups.

He also disclosed that thousands of Boko Haram-linked individuals have surrendered due to sustained military pressure and rehabilitation measures.

The president described the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin as a standing example of how African-led cooperation can deliver results.

He said regional alliances, not external military contractors, remain the future of counter-terrorism on the continent.

Tinubu further pointed to Nigeria’s recent Sea-Lift Agreement with the AU Standby Force.

According to him, the pact strengthens the continent’s capacity for rapid deployment in peace missions and humanitarian operations.
He commended the European Union for its continued involvement in stabilising the Sahel.

However, he warned that foreign-designed solutions rarely work if local actors are not central to the process.

“Peace and security initiatives must therefore be co-created with African partners and anchored in African-led frameworks,” he stated.

Tinubu also addressed irregular migration as he warn criminalising movement has worsened insecurity.

Instead, he called for structured labour mobility schemes, noting that thousands of young Africans can contribute meaningfully to Europe through regulated pathways.

President Tinubu thanked Angola for hosting the summit and acknowledged the EU’s long-standing support for the AU’s peace and security initiatives.

The 7th AU–EU Summit, co-chaired by President João Lourenço and European Council President António Costa, is focusing on security, migration, trade and governance.