The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has emphasized that Nigeria does not require mercenaries or foreign military bases to tackle insurgency. Instead, he called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to provide the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) with modern weapons and equipment to strengthen the fight against terrorism and criminal groups.
Speaking during an interview with Arise News Channel on Friday, General Musa revealed that the Nigerian military has begun assembling its own Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and is working towards full-scale production. He highlighted the military’s capacity to conduct operations independently and its ongoing efforts to develop locally manufactured armaments.
Musa dismissed the idea of foreign troops, stating, “We don’t need mercenary fighters or foreign boots on our soil. Nigeria has never had foreign military bases, and it is not something we are considering. We are capable of handling our security challenges through improved training and resources.”
He noted Nigeria’s historical role in stabilizing West Africa, citing its contributions in Liberia and Sierra Leone, and expressed confidence that similar successes could be achieved within the country. He added that the Armed Forces are adjusting to the unconventional warfare tactics used by insurgents, which differ significantly from traditional warfare strategies.
General Musa also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to democracy, stating that Nigerian officers are not interested in coups and are actively working to restore democratic governance in Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. “We are better in a democratic setting and are determined to sustain it,” he said.
Acknowledging the complexities of dealing with insurgency, Musa emphasized the importance of adhering to human rights and international laws while combating internal threats.
Source: Sahara Reporters