Nigeria Rejects Use Of Private Military, Security Companies In Conflicts – Tinubu Tells EU, African Leaders
Nigeria Rejects Use Of Private Military, Security Companies In Conflicts – Tinubu Tells EU, African Leaders
He argued that Africa’s security challenges — including terrorism and transnational organised crime — demand unified, state-driven strategies rather than parallel private actors with hidden mandates.
The President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government has again taken a strong stance against the rising use of private military and security outfits across Africa.
He insisted that such non-state actors threaten national sovereignty and undermine coordinated security efforts on the continent.
Tinubu on Monday condemned the growing reliance on private military contractors in conflict zones, stressing that African governments must retain full control of peace and security initiatives.
He said this while speaking during the first plenary session on Peace, Security, Governance and Multilateralism at the 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola.
Tinubu claimed that external private forces complicate ongoing counter-terrorism operations.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President told African heads of state and EU leaders: “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.”
He argued that Africa’s security challenges — including terrorism and transnational organised crime — demand unified, state-driven strategies rather than parallel private actors with hidden mandates.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to support continental stability, saying the country is “more prepared than ever” to work with the EU to build “a stable, just and prosperous world.”
His comments come amid Insecurity facing Nigeria which has led to loss of lives, mass abductions and destruction of properties.
Recently, SaharaReporters reported that 50 pupils who were abducted from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, Niger State, reportedly escaped and reunited with their parents, the school authorities confirmed on Sunday.
The escape comes just days after terrorists attacked the school and abducted a total of 303 pupils and students.
The pupils fled between Friday and Saturday but could not return to the school after escaping.
The school administration verified their safe return by contacting and visiting the parents of the rescued pupils.
According to Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, Proprietor of the school, and Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, “as much as we receive the return of these 50 children that escaped with some sigh of relief, I urge you all to continue in your prayers for the rescue and safe return of the remaining victims.”
The update was signed electronically by Daniel Atori, Media Aide to the Bishop, Most Rev. Yohanna.
“For the records, we now have 251 primary pupils, 14 secondary students and 12 teachers still with their abductors,” the statement said.
“In the primary section, out of the total number of 430 pupils we have in the school, 377 of them are boarders and the remaining 53 others are non-boarders.
“Currently, aside the 50 pupils that escaped and have returned home, we have 141 pupils who were not carried away. As it stands now, we have 236 pupils, another 3 children who belong to our staff, 14 secondary students making a total 253 children including 12 members of staff with the abductors.”
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that no fewer than 25 students were abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, early Monday morning, according to confirmation by the Kebbi State Police Command.
The attack, carried out by heavily armed bandits, left one staff member dead and another injured.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi.
