The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government not to explore other options of fighting insurgency to save the country from total collapse.
The lower chamber suggested that the Federal Governments should consider hiring foreign mercenaries to assist in the fight against insurgency.
While urging “the military authorities to restrategise and take the fight to the Boko Haram enclaves”, the House added that there is nothing shameful in seeking the assistance of foreigners with expertise in fighting the kind of unconventional war from terrorists being witnessed in Nigeria.
The resolution came after Abdulkadir Rahis, lawmaker representing Maiduguri metropolitan federal constituency, moved a motion on the matter.
Rahis recounted a recent attack “on the evening of 23 February, 2021, which resulted in the death of 16 people, with about 60 others sustaining various degrees of injuries, and are currently receiving treatment in various health facilities across the city, while many others suffered losses and damages to properties”.
He said the attack was one of the most daring as the insurgents indiscriminately launched rockets into the Maiduguri.
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Manu Soro Masur, lawmaker representing Darazo/Ganjuwa federal constituency, however, moved for an amendment of the motion and asked the federal government to consider foreign-paid fighters.
The motion was adopted after it was put to a voice vote.
The lawmakers also called on the ministry of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development, as well as the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide relief materials to victims of the Borno attack, and other interventions to all persons that have suffered losses.
Goveenor Babagana Zulum of Borno State called on the federal government several times to seek support from neighbouring countries in combating the insurgents.
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan had procured the services of mercenaries to assist the Nigerian army in the war against the insurgents during his adminstration.
But after wresting the reins of power from Jonathan in 2015, Bihar terminated the contract, described it as “shameful”.
