President Bola Tinubu has issued a stern warning against the use of private military contractors in African conflict zones.
Speaking at the 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Angola, the President argued that outsourcing security undermines national sovereignty and complicates counter-terrorism efforts.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu told global leaders that peace missions must be owned and led by African governments, not private actors with opaque mandates.
“We Stand Against Mercenaries”
Addressing the plenary session on ‘Peace, Security, Governance, and Multilateralism,’ the President rejected the growing reliance on parallel forces.
“We stand resolutely against the use of private military and security companies in African conflicts,” Tinubu declared. “Their presence often complicates resolution efforts and undermines state sovereignty.”
He emphasized that Africa’s security challenges from terrorism to organized crime—require coordinated, state-driven responses anchored in regional frameworks like ECOWAS and the AU.
Demanding a Seat at the Table
The President also intensified Nigeria’s campaign for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. He insisted that Africa deserves full veto-wielding authority, calling for a comprehensive reform of the global governance system.
“It is time for Africa to occupy permanent seats on the UN Security Council, with all attendant privileges, including the veto,” Tinubu stated. He urged EU member states to back this “legitimate call,” noting that the current structure no longer reflects geopolitical realities.
Domestic Progress and Challenges
Highlighting efforts back home, Tinubu revealed that kinetic and non-kinetic strategies are yielding results. He disclosed that as of early 2025, over 120,000 Boko Haram-affiliated individuals, including their families, have surrendered to state forces.
Expert Calls for State of Emergency
While the President spoke in Angola, domestic pressure mounted. Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, a prominent international affairs expert, has called on President Tinubu to declare a nationwide state of emergency on security.
Reacting to the recent surge in attacks, Akinyemi proposed radical measures to strengthen the military:
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Suspend Retirement Laws: Halt the mandatory retirement of personnel after 35 years of service to retain experienced hands.
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Mass Recruitment: Launch a large-scale drive to garrison every state adequately.
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Suspend Immunity: Remove constitutional immunity for governors in states where terrorists operate freely, holding them accountable for security failures.
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Military Tribunals: Establish special tribunals with the power to impose the death penalty on convicted terrorists.
“Nigeria urgently needs a strengthened military presence to confront escalating insecurity,” Akinyemi argued, citing historical precedents from the Nigerian Civil War
