In a recent interview on Arise TV’s Morning Show, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa firmly dismissed the idea of employing military contractors to tackle the ongoing Boko Haram insurgency.
His remarks came in response to Senator Ali Ndume’s proposal following a deadly attack in Ngoshe, Borno State, which resulted in six fatalities and five abductions. Musa emphasized that Nigeria’s security challenges require a nuanced strategy, referencing the limited success of military contractors in conflict zones like Mali and Afghanistan.
“We ask for the support of all Nigerians. Our current challenges are interconnected,” Musa stated. “While we may not be where we want to be, we are making progress.”
He noted that despite the presence of military contractors in Mali, their effectiveness has been questionable. “The Americans utilized contractors in Afghanistan for two decades, yet they left without achieving a definitive victory,” he explained.
Musa highlighted the complexities of asymmetric warfare, which involves confronting non-state actors. “These groups are highly mobile and difficult to track, as informants often alert them to military movements,” he said.
Addressing concerns about reported casualties, Musa reassured the public, stating that efforts are ongoing and that the military’s actions are yielding results. He also criticized the reliance on contractors, suggesting that funds allocated for them could be better spent on enhancing the capabilities of Nigeria’s armed forces.
“The issue isn’t conventional warfare where the enemy is easily identifiable. Our approach must adapt to these challenges,” he concluded, reinforcing that investing in local military capacity is a more viable solution.
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