As retired generals, NEF, others warn against hiring them
Amidst renewed calls by North East Governors on the Federal Government to engage foreign mercenaries in routing Boko Haram terrorists in Sambisa forest and other insurgents enclaves, the foreign military contractors earlier engaged by Nigeria have vowed never to return.
During the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria had covertly brought in military-technical advisers suspected to be mercenaries from South Africa and the former Soviet Union to take on Boko Haram ahead of the national election in 2015.
Speaking to newsmen under the condition of anonymity, one of the facilitators of soldiers of fortune bemoaned the humiliations, persecutions and prosecutions of foreign mercenaries along with their Nigerian counterparts who participated in the operation after the emergence of the current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He expressed regret and disappointment that some Nigerian military and intelligence officers who participated in the operation not only were they retired but also prosecuted and convicted. He stated that the mercenaries find it difficult to work in a country where their operations, strategy and thinking are exposed to the media and judicial processes.
The secret agent confirmed that top government officials at federal and state levels are reaching out to them but reiterated their resolve not to come back.
In the wake of the recent attack on Zabarmari Community where at least 43 farmers were massacred by Boko Haram insurgents in Koshobe rice field, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum called on the Federal Government to engage foreign military contractors in the fight against Boko Haram.
Recall that following the killing of 43 rice farmers at Kwashebe village in Borno State on Saturday, the state Governor, Babagana Zulum, appealed to the Federal Government to hire mercenaries to fight the insurgents. Also, some retired generals and socio-political organisations on Wednesday failed the call for the hiring of mercenaries to fight the Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.
Similarly, other groups, like the CNG and NEF, Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo have all faulted the call for the hiring of mercenaries.
Before President Buharis assumption of office, the previous government hired mercenaries to fight insurgents. The Buhari administration, however, dispensed with the services of the mercenaries on assumption of office in 2015.
