Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria’s president-elect, has expressed disappointment with the decision of the government to contract South African mercenaries to assist in tackling insurgency, lamenting the rot in the military.
He said his administration would restore the dignity of the military and also combat the challenges of insecurity, unemployment and corruption.
He was speaking on Monday when members of socio-cultural group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), visited him in Kaduna.
“I got to know a few days ago that the recent gains in the northeast were because South African mercenaries were used,” he said.
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“The Nigerian military has never been so incapacitated like now. It is a shame that the military cannot secure 14 local governments out of the 774 local governments in the country.
“What is more worrisome is the fact that the military had to rely on South African machinery before it could gain recent success in the war against Boko Haram.
“My administration will concentrate on major areas on assumption of office. The morale of the security forces will be raised.”
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Meanwhile, the guards brigade of the Nigerian army has alerted the public on firing of artillery guns for presidential inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of May 29.
Charles Ekeocha, assistant director of army public relations in the guards brigade, said this in a statement issued on Monday.
“Rehearsal for the presidential inauguration and swearing-in ceremony has commenced since May 4 at the Eagle Square, Abuja,” the statement read.
“The rehearsal involved firing of the traditional 21-gun salute and the practice session for the 21-gun salute will take place on May 20 and May 25, and on the inauguration day, May 29.
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“The public is hereby notified, especially those living within Asokoro area of Abuja and its environs, not to panic at the sound of simulated firing of military weapons during the dates.”
