Tinubu rejects use of mercenaries, urges Africa–EU security reforms at AU–EU summit

Tinubu rejects use of mercenaries, urges Africa–EU security reforms at AU–EU summit

President Bola Tinubu has firmly ruled out the deployment of private military contractors—often referred to as mercenaries—in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, insisting that the nation will not outsource its core security responsibilities under any circumstance.

Tinubu’s position was delivered on Monday in Luanda, Angola, by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the first plenary session of the 7th African Union–European Union Summit. Addressing African leaders and EU officials, the President expressed concern over the growing spread of private security companies across Africa, warning that the trend undermines state sovereignty, weakens national institutions, and complicates peace efforts.

According to Tinubu, African nations must assume full ownership of their security challenges. “We stand resolutely against the use of private military and security companies in African conflicts, as their presence often complicates resolution efforts,” Shettima said on his behalf.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s longstanding role in ECOWAS and AU peace missions, Tinubu said only coordinated, state-led action can effectively counter violent extremism, organised crime, and insurgency. He highlighted Nigeria’s combined kinetic and non-kinetic strategy, which has resulted in thousands of Boko Haram-linked individuals surrendering.

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Tinubu also pointed to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) as proof that African-led security cooperation can deliver tangible results. He referenced Nigeria’s recent Sea-Lift Agreement with the AU Standby Force as another step toward strengthening the continent’s rapid deployment capacity.

The President warned that foreign-designed solutions rarely succeed without meaningful local involvement. He commended the EU’s support for stabilisation efforts in the Sahel, but stressed that all peace and security initiatives must be co-created within African-led frameworks.

On migration, Tinubu argued that criminalising irregular movement has worsened insecurity. Instead, he urged the creation of structured labour mobility schemes, noting that thousands of young Africans can contribute to Europe through regulated pathways.

Turning to global governance, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for reforms that would grant Africa permanent seats—with veto powers—on the United Nations Security Council, insisting that current global structures no longer reflect contemporary realities.

He thanked Angola for hosting the summit and acknowledged the EU’s continued partnership with Africa on issues of security, migration, and governance.

The 7th AU–EU Summit, co-chaired by Angolan President João Lourenço and European Council President António Costa, focuses on strengthening cooperation in security, migration, trade, and governance.

Tinubu rejects use of mercenaries, urges Africa–EU security reforms at AU–EU summit