Insecurity: Arewa forum opposes hiring of foreign mercenaries, proffers solutions

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has made its position known regarding the proposition made by Nasir El-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, on how to address the deepening security crisis that pervades the state and other parts of the north.

The spate of volent attacks in the north has increased in the past few weeks, leading to widespread public assertion of feeling of helplessness on the part of the government.

In the wake of the deadly attacks on Kaduna-bound train from Abuja last week, which left many dead and unspecified number of passengers missing, El-Rufai had said governors from the northwest geopolitical zone may be left with no other option that to hire foreign mercenaries if the military fails to wipe out the rampaging terrorists.

Speaking at the presidential villa on Friday, el-Rufai said he has informed President Muhammadu Buhari that if military actions are not taken against bandits, north-west governors may hire mercenaries to defend their people.

Reacting to El-Rufai’s proposal, ACF warned against using foreign mercenaries to fight terrorism in the country.

In a statement on Sunday, Murtala Aliyu, the forum’s secretary-general, said any form of rash decision and fire brigade approach should be avoided.

“The Arewa Consultative Forum appreciates the frustration of leaders at the sub-national level, however, we call on the governments, governors, and citizens alike, to avoid any fire brigade approach on any pressing issue that bedeviling the country,” the forum said.

The forum suggested that the Federal government, which was charged with the country’s security, should find a lasting solution to the crisis. It added that new dimension of terror attacks demanded all-out war.

“The security of the country rests on the central government and calls for a cursory, calm, implementable and lasting solution.

“The authorities may look at the possibility of utilising volunteers, such as the ex-servicemen and women, the civilian task forces, hunters and whatever is available to make every inch of Nigeria habitable and peaceful.

The forum stated that “as the largest black nation and as a leader on our continent must do everything within our powers to keep Nigeria stable and strong”