Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly, has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider hiring military contractors to aid in the fight against insurgents and bandits.
This recommendation follows a recent attack on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno, which resulted in the death of six farmers and the abduction of five others.
Speaking to journalists via phone on Wednesday, October 2, Ndume emphasized the effectiveness of military contractors in dealing with security challenges, proposing their involvement as a temporary solution to Nigeria’s ongoing insecurity crisis.
“All across the world, governments hire the services of military contractors to engage in certain places,” Ndume stated. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can consider this as a short measure. These contractors will work with our military and civilian JTF, who understand the terrain."
He further highlighted the advantages of hiring contractors, noting their advanced equipment and military hardware. “In a very short time, they’ll eliminate those Boko Haram terrorists. The contractors can also be used to eliminate those bandits operating in the north-west,” Ndume added.
The senator also suggested a long-term plan for the federal government to recruit and expand the military, stating that the recruitment of at least one million youths could bolster the country's security forces over time.