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Nigeria Hires US Oracle Corp & Microsoft Corp To Save Costs & Fight Corruption / South-West Sends Mercenaries To Other Parts Of Nigeria To Fight – Akpabio / Hassan Umoru, New Commander To Battle Boko Haram (2) (3) (4)
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Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by alcmene: 5:34pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
Nigeria has hired mercenaries to combat Boko Haram as military chiefs face a December deadline to crush the militants, according to senior military sources. Turkish news agency, Anadolu Agency, reports that the mercenaries, estimated at around 250 personnel and hired from South Africa-based private contractor Specialized Tasks, Training, Equipment and Protection (STTEP), are being deployed along with fighter jets in Operation Fire Force, a source at Nigeria’s defense headquarters said on condition of anonymity. “The mercenaries have been reengaged and their platforms are being deployed,” the source said. “By platforms, I mean fighter jets, helos [helicopters], coms [communication], surveillance, medics, etc.” STTEP includes veterans from the South African apartheid era who will work with and train a Nigerian strike force, according to the source. Another army source confirmed the development to Anadolu Agency. “There is definitely something happening in that direction,” the source said, again on condition of anonymity. According to STTEP’s official website, the company’s trainers and advisers are drawn from “conventional, clandestine, and covert units of the pre-1994 South African Defense Force”. It claims to have a proven track record of success in Africa, the Middle East, the Far East and Central and South America. Describing the use of mercenaries to fight militants as “shameful” during the March 2015 election campaign, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the practice. Buhari, a retired general, said the practice represented the depth of weakness of the Nigerian army. Asked why the Buhari administration is again deploying mercenaries, the defense HQ source said it appeared to be the most practical option if headway was to be made against militants whose guerilla tactics are new to the Nigerian military. Nigeria claimed significant success against the militants in the run-up to the March election, with some analysts crediting the mercenaries. Boko Haram threat Boko Haram has emerged as a serious threat in Nigeria. More than 1,700 people have been killed since Buhari took office on May 29, according to an Oct. 7 report from the International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law. Since then, more than 100 have died in suicide bombings in Borno and Yobe states. According to the army HQ source, the Buhari administration initially terminated the mercenary contract because it was “opaque and without accountability”. However, a new agreement was reached to boost the counterinsurgency operation. “As it stands now, huge amounts of monies are owed to the contractors as fulfillment for the previous engagement,” the HQ source added. “So they are starting a new engagement for an initial period of three months. As for their outstanding balances, investigations are being carried out to ensure everything is above board.” The Nigerian military did not respond to Anadolu Agency’s request for comment. However, presidential spokesman Garba Shehu denied the government was engaging mercenaries again. “It is true that the previous administration hired South African mercenaries to fight Boko Haram,” he said. “They, however, left with the government that brought them.” “Since coming into office, this government did not have any engagement with mercenaries of any kind and there are no plans to do so.” Siphiwe Dlamini, a spokesman for the South African National Defense Force (SANDF), said his country did not have any troops in Nigeria but could not say if private mercenaries were operating there. “I wish to reiterate there are no SANDF personnel in Nigeria fighting Boko Haram,” he told Anadolu Agency. “If there are South Africans who are there as you allege they are not our members but private citizens.” “I cannot comment on what private citizens are doing in any part of the world.” STTEP did not respond to emailed requests for comment. Earlier this year, South Africa’s Defense Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula issued a stern warning to South African mercenaries, saying they had no business in Nigeria and should be arrested on their return. “Now that the matter has been brought to our attention, it is [up to us] to verify that information as the government,” she told broadcaster SABC at the time. “The police have a responsibility to make sure that when they come back these people are arrested.” South African law forbids its citizens from participating in foreign wars. Most South African mercenaries are believed to be soldiers who fought for the apartheid regime. Impending campaign The Nigerian army has spoken about impending military deployments against Boko Haram, saying in a statement over the weekend that the country’s sovereignty was under threat. “The next few days would be crucial to the operation Lafiya Dole [Peace by Force],” army chief Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai said in a message to troops. “It is also crucial to our country Nigeria. Our sovereignty as a nation is threatened.” “The Nigerian army and indeed the military as the symbol of our nationhood is being challenged. Our ability to stand and defeat the Boko Haram terrorists in the next few weeks will determine the future of our country.” The use of mercenaries is not a new phenomenon in Nigeria’s conflicts. Hundreds of French mercenaries fought on the side of Biafran rebels against the Nigerian army in the late 1960s. However, recall that President Muhammadu Buhari recently gave a December deadline to the military to end the insurgency ravaging the north-east. But in a dramatic u-turn last Monday, Service Chiefs told the President that their effort to completely rout out Boko Haram insurgents in the insurgency-ravaged region, may not be feasible after all, as it was being threatened by weather and logistics. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/10/dec-deadline-again-nigeria-hires-mercenaries-to-battle-boko-haram/ 1 Like 2 Shares
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Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by agarawu23(m): 5:37pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
Ok 1 Like 2 Shares |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by alcmene: 5:38pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
I thought he lambasted GEJ for seeking foreign assistance to curb bokoharam menace Only dogs take back its vomit. Buhari can thus be likened to a dog 297 Likes 39 Shares |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by Firefire(m): 5:38pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
God will continue to bless Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Buhary's administration now in reverse gear. - SMH Describing the use of mercenaries to fight militants as “shameful” during the March 2015 election campaign, [size=13pt]Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the practice. Buhari, a retired general, said the practice represented the depth of weakness of the Nigerian army. [/size] / Asked why the Buhari administration is again deploying mercenaries, the defense HQ source said it appeared to be the most practical option if headway was to be made against militants whose guerilla tactics are new to the Nigerian military. 155 Likes 20 Shares
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Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by luvinhubby(m): 5:39pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
ok ooo. More lying hypicrisy are being unravelled daily. Lalasticlala come and see oo. GEJ WAS RIGHT AFTER ALL. 96 Likes 11 Shares |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by Firefire(m): 5:39pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
alcmene: Buhary is a FRAUD! APC as a party are full of FRAUDSTERS!!!!!!!! 94 Likes 14 Shares
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Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by Nobody: 5:49pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
Eeeehhhhhhhhh@!!! ds Buhari is just disgracing we his APC e-robots by following El clueless steps....... 46 Likes |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by Nobody: 5:50pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
You guys keep getting it wrong................. Apc criticized GEJ not PMB 6 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by opiaoku: 5:54pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
SirWere: and we now have PMB as a political party continue God will surely disgrace every hypocrite bastard responsible for bringing this curse apc to Nigeria. 131 Likes 12 Shares |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by opiaoku: 5:55pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
this is the more reason i will continue to hate apc with passion gosh the hypocrisy stinks like vulture 94 Likes 9 Shares |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by Nobody: 6:02pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
opiaoku:I didn't like PMB but I preferred an unknown demon to a confirmed devil. 5 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by hardywaltz(m): 6:03pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
Cořk and Bull story 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by CR77(f): 6:03pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
All na wash ; 9 Likes |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by thefakestan: 6:03pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
It's a. Taboo. GMB 1 Like |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by tollytexy(m): 6:03pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
Is that a word? In yoruba : Shoro niyen? 1 Like |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by SeverusSnape(m): 6:03pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
I just dey laugh. 77 Likes 13 Shares |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by Tman66(m): 6:04pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
: just win the war 3 Likes |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by Nobody: 6:04pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
Chukwu okike abiama please let bokoharam finish those mercenaries, as Nigeria is holding biafra, let Nigeria be cursed and bokoharam bomb 5 places in lagos and abuja tomorrow killing millions of people. Ise ise iseee 13 Likes |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by BlackrulesDworld(m): 6:04pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
Booari is a mistake 26 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by itsIYKE(m): 6:04pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
I thought APC said it was weak of GEJ to have sought external help against BH?......bloody hypocrites....buhari you have failed yet again.......Nigerians will never forgive you for spear heading the greatest scam of our time.. 71 Likes 5 Shares |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by opiaoku: 6:04pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
SirWere: Just shut it pmb represents apc and he's responsible for anything apc says. even pmb criticized GEJ for seeking foreign help thinking Nigerian army are super men apc = scam Buhari is a terrorist - Elrufai 71 Likes 7 Shares |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by CR77(f): 6:05pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by j4sure(m): 6:05pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
really |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by Nobody: 6:05pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
Dis country sef... !!! 5 Likes
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Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by djkirkoo2(m): 6:06pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
SirWere:Shut up 35 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by soribe84: 6:07pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
Ok |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by adioolayi(m): 6:07pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
I was part of those that condemned GEJ lead administration when we heard that SouthAfrican machineries were engaged in for bokoharam... Now PMB lead administration is doing so too....This means Nigeria Army is not capable of fighting Bokoharam.....Our defense as a Nation is finished! We are not safe! I say sorry for ridiculing GEJ administration "On this particular issue" 93 Likes 14 Shares |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by Emekamex(m): 6:08pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
Wow! Hypocrisy at its peak. Hiring mercenaries will only give a short term success. I thought APC would have done things differently; I see no changes *in 2pac's voice*. 50 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by Captainswag225(m): 6:08pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
Jonathan started dis process but hypocritical apc n buhari criticized him. Now they are copying his style. 42 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by Ola17: 6:08pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
Why is APC doing almost all the same thing it criticized the previous administration of? Na wah. I'm still waiting for the 'change' they promised us. 46 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Nigeria ‘Hires Mercenaries’ To Battle Boko Haram - Vanguard by MizFrances(f): 6:09pm On Oct 22, 2015 |
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