Guns for Hire?

The existence of Private Military Contractors (PMCs) worldwide is nothing new, especially with their constant involvement in an ever-conflict-ridden global theatre. Nigeria has been overwhelmed by insecurity, resulting in destabilisation and inadvertently taking a toll on citizens. The Nigerian government turned to unconventional means in its search for viable solutions to this menace: hiring Private Military Contractors. However, this approach has unleashed varying views for and against their employment for security purposes over the years. Recent developments have renewed the conversation around private military forces. In October 2024, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to hire military contractors as a short-term solution to combat Boko Haram and banditry in northern Nigeria. This proposal comes in response to another attack in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area on 1^st October 2024. The attack resulted in the deaths of five and the abduction of 15 others. Prior to the incident in Gwoza and the call from Senator Ndume, a political analyst, Issa Diawara, stated that the alternative to solving insecurity on the continent could be PMCs.

Recent calls align with practices in some countries where governments engage military contractors to complement their forces in specific conflicts. Countries like the United States, Russia, and France have often employed these private actors to enhance military operations. Contractors, equipped with advanced military hardware, could swiftly neutralise insurgent threats, working alongside the Nigerian military and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), who possess valuable local knowledge of the terrain. From the angle of urgency, mercenaries could handle immediate threats while the government recruits and trains Nigerian youths to expand the military in the long run.

In a Nextier publication, the recent calls are also linked to the historical presence of some PMCs in the country. One such PMC with a significant presence in Nigeria is South African-Based Executive Outcomes, which has its presence in other African countries. At some point during the 1990s, it was reported that Executive Outcomes aided the Nigerian government through military actions against various rebel groups within the Niger Delta region. Also, PMC Conella Services was engaged by President Goodluck Jonathan to fight Boko Haram in December 2014. More recently, the Russian Mercenary Group Wagner group has maintained its presence in Africa especially seen with the invitation by the Niger Republic Junta. It is deducible that they are readily available to offer their services to Nigeria, which has grappled with insecurity over time.

The Nigerian government’s consideration of exploring PMCs as a potential solution further stems from their ability to offer specialised skills and resources that are not readily available within the state apparatus. PMCs can provide trained personnel, modern equipment, and tactical expertise in combating insurgency and terrorism. This can significantly enhance the capacity and effectiveness of national security forces. Moreover, hiring PMCs offers operational flexibility and adaptability that the conventional armed forces often cannot achieve. Because they are private organisations, PMCs are not limited by bureaucratic red tape or political concerns that prevent government troops from acting on time. This means they can respond fast enough to new security challenges, making them a choice for authorities grappling with immediate security problems.

However, this employment of PMCs has its load of problems and ethical difficulties. Human rights abuses and lack of accountability are among the primary concerns. They operate outside established legal structures that oversee the activities of military forces in a country; hence, there is unease in their actions and compliance with international law, as well as respect for human rights. Proper oversight and regulation must be implemented so that using these contractors does not encourage impunity or aggravate existing violations against human rights. For instance, there was praise for the Executive Outcomes group when it helped quell unrest, but they were also accused of using excessive force and violating human rights.

Furthermore, there are economic implications associated with employing PMCs. Engaging private security providers is often expensive, as they operate on a profit-driven business model. This raises questions about the transparency of procurement processes, potential corruption, and the long-term financial sustainability of relying on private contractors for security needs. One notable debate involved the activities of a private military company known as Blackwater, which allegedly provided protection services to oil companies running in the Niger Delta area. In 2007, Blackwater guards took part in a shooting in Baghdad, Iraq, that led to the deaths of several non-combatants. This event raised worries about who was responsible for and overseeing private military companies working in conflict areas and brought calls for more rules over their activities.

Despite these challenges, PMCs can offer valuable support in addressing Nigeria’s security concerns. However, their usage should be accompanied by robust regulatory frameworks, strong accountability mechanisms, and a clear delineation of responsibilities between the government and private entities. Establishing oversight bodies to monitor the activities of PMCs and ensure adherence to international standards and legal frameworks becomes imperative. On one hand, the engagement of military contractors could offer a swift, albeit temporary, solution to the nation’s escalating insecurity. On the other, it may normalise the reliance on privatised military force, blurring the lines between state and non-state actors. This development mirrors global concerns about the increasing influence of hired guns in modern conflicts; utilising Private Military Contractors presents a debatable solution to Nigeria’s insecurity. Also, while they can offer specialised skills, resources, and operational flexibility, concerns regarding human rights abuses, accountability, and long-term financial sustainability must be addressed. It is essential to establish robust monitoring mechanisms to oversee PMC activities. It may include mandating PMCs to make regular reports on their operations, finances and compliance with international human rights norms. More importantly, Nigeria must have comprehensive legislation that will govern the operations of PMCs in Nigeria. This can necessitate licensing obligations for companies with tight conduct and professional standards. Wrongdoings under these rules should attract penalties, including withdrawal of licenses and legal action where necessary.

Furthermore, there is a need to ensure that personnel in PMCs receive sufficient education regarding international humanitarian law, human rights, and engagement protocols. Prosecuting them legally would be one way of holding PMCs accountable for violating these standards. The Nigerian government needs to invest in strengthening the capacity and effectiveness of Nigerian security forces, including the military and law enforcement agencies, to respond appropriately to the internal security challenges they face. As Nigeria grapples with this evolving security landscape, the conversation around private military contractors reflects broader anxieties about sovereignty, governance, and the future of national security.