Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a firm stand against the growing use of private military and security companies in conflict zones across Africa. Speaking at the 7th AU-EU Summit in Luanda, Angola, the president warned that outsourcing security functions to such contractors weakens national sovereignty and makes coordinated counter-terrorism efforts more difficult.
According to Tinubu, foreign private military firms often
create parallel command structures that sideline state authorities. He argued
that many of these companies operate without transparent oversight, which can
undermine a country’s control over its own security.
Speaking through Nigeria’s delegation at the summit, Tinubu
also called for greater African-led security solutions. He emphasized that
sustainable peace on the continent must be co-created by African nations, not
imposed from external actors.
In a message to Nigerians on social media, President Tinubu
reinforced his commitment to the country’s security. He reminded citizens that
he had cancelled his trip to the G20 summit in order to stay in Nigeria and
coordinate domestic efforts. He said his administration is closely monitoring
the national security landscape and working with front-line forces to keep
Nigerians safe.
In his post, he wrote:
“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces … all the 38
worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued. I am equally
happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State
have been recovered. I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide
… Every Nigerian … has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure
this nation and protect our people.”
By linking these rescue operations to his refusal to rely on
private military contractors, Tinubu made a clear argument: state-led security
is essential for protecting lives and maintaining sovereignty.
Tinubu’s remarks have sparked debate among African leaders,
security experts and civil society. Some analysts welcome his call for
African-led solutions, saying it strengthens the continent’s ability to shape
its own future. They point to his embrace of regional coalitions, such as the
Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in the Lake Chad Basin, as a viable
model for cooperative security.
On the other hand, critics argue that outright rejection of
private military firms could limit options for rapidly scaling responses to
urgent threats. They warn that developing the capacity to fully rely on state
forces will take time and may require significant investment.
Still, many view Tinubu’s stance as bold and principled. By
rejecting contractors, he is pushing for a security architecture that centers
African agencies and norms. As he put it, peace initiatives should be “anchored
in African-led frameworks” if they are to succeed.
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