• President orders probe into killing of soldiers

The Federal Government would not hire mercenaries to fight terrorism and banditry in the North, Foreign Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar said yesterday.

He explained that engaging mercenaries, which are private armies, to tackle insecurity is unsustainable.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa also recently ruled out the use of mercenaries, saying the nation’s military is capable of fighting and winning the battle.

Tuggar made the clarification at the State House, Abuja, during a joint news conference with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi.

The Chinese foreign minister is in Nigeria on a visit to strengthen bilateral ties.

Noting the limitations of deploying private military companies for security tasks, the minister said fully equipped Nigerian security agencies can meet the challenge.

He called for collaboration with China in domesticating the production of military equipment to eliminate delays associated with foreign procurement.

“Private military companies, no matter where they are coming from, are not the solution to tackling the country’s security challenges,” Tuggar said.

Following the renewed sporadic terrorist attacks in the North, there have been calls for foreign mercenaries, which were once deployed by the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

New terror groups, including Lakurawa, have sprang up, wrecking havoc on towns and villages in the Northwest and Northeast.

On January 4, some suspected terrorists attacked the Army Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Damboa, Borno State. The troops in retaliation killed no fewer than 46 terrorists.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday commiserated with the military and families of the slain soldiers.

He ordered an investigation into the attack.

Tuggar said the war against terror can be won if nations collaborate.

He highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role in fostering peace and security within the region and across the continent.

Tuggar said: “Nigeria has consistently proved effective in leading other countries in our region, and I would even say on the continent at large, in addressing challenges to peace and security.”

The minister emphasised the importance of partnerships that involve Nigeria directly in the process, describing China as a reliable ally.

He added: “This is why we work well with countries like China. Where we have a problem is whenever Nigeria is left out of such arrangements.”

Tuggar also stressed the need to prioritise local production of military equipment to ensure efficiency.

He said: “We want to work with countries like China in domesticating the production of military equipment, both kinetic and non-kinetic. This is what we’re looking for, so that we don’t have to go out looking to procure because of the delays and so many rules and regulations. We need to be able to produce locally.”

The minister described Nigeria as a responsible country operating within its constitutional framework, adding that the commitment to law and order has earned the country the confidence of other nations.

Tuggar pointed out that the Chinese minister’s visit  would build on the success of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024 and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent state visit to China.

He explained that  discussions with the Chinese delegation focused on mutual interests in economic and political spheres, as well as agreements signed in various sectors, including energy, communications, agriculture, finance, transportation, infrastructure, and petrochemicals.

Tuggar added: “We will continue to work with countries such as China in addressing these challenges and rely on them to help ensure that private military companies and external interference remain outside.”

Tinubu orders probe into soldiers’ killing

Yesterday, President Tinubu ordered a probe into the killing of six soldiers during the attack on the Sabon Gida military base in Damboa, Borno State.

Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said in a statement that the president had also directed security agencies to intensify military operations by taking the war to the terrorists.

He said the President extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, describing their sacrifice as a cornerstone of the fight for security.

“Their sacrifice in defending our nation will forever be honoured and remembered,” he said.

Praising the Armed Forces for their swift response, President Tinubu also lauded the military’s air component for its decisive retaliatory strikes, which neutralised many terrorists and destroyed their assets as they attempted to escape.

He said: “This resolute action by the Army demonstrates the capability and readiness of our military to confront and defeat threats to our nation’s security. Their actions testify to our resolve to eradicate terrorism and banditry, paving the way for a future where peace and security prevail for all Nigerians.

 “Your sacrifices and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we stand firmly behind you in this ongoing fight to eliminate these threats.”

President Tinubu also appealed to Nigerians and the media to support the military in its efforts to restore peace across the country.

He said: “Together, we can support our security forces in achieving the peace and security our nation deserves.”