The Nigerian government has acknowledged it is getting technical and logistical support from what it calls, foreign contractors, in the fight against Boko Haram.
Nigerian government spokesman Mike Omeri said that the government is not engaging in “any backchannel or unlawful recruitment”.
In a statement, Omeri noted that soldiers from neighbouring countries, including Chad and Niger, were participating in operations against the group.
Omeri said other “individuals” from the region “are on the ground in a capacity limited to training or technical support”.
But sources have told newsmen that mercenaries from South Africa and other countries are actually playing a decisive fighting role on the frontlines.
A senior Nigerian non-commissioned officer, who is on active duty and was wounded by Boko Haram, said foreign mercenaries are doing the bulk of the fighting in towns the Nigerian military said it has recaptured from Boko Haram.
The officer said that the Nigerian military still suffers from a lack of equipment and low morale, and that without the mercenaries’ help, these towns would still be held by Boko Haram fighters.
Mike Omeri
