The Nigerian Army has distanced itself from reports that it partnered with ex-Niger Delta militant leader Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, or his security outfit, in some military operations.
Recall that Dokubo had, in an interview on a Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, claimed he had a military company engaged by the government to work alongside the military in some states of the federation.
“I don’t have an army, but I have a private military company that was engaged by the Nigerian government, and I have been doing the work for the Nigerian state. Private military companies exist all over the world; we have Black Waters, we have Wagner, we have so many private military companies.
“So, I have a private military company that is engaged by the government, and we are fighting side by side with the Nigerian military in many places. Like Niger, Plateau, Abia, Imo, and parts of Rivers State. We were in Anambra too. We are doing a good job, and we are being commended by the host communities,” he had said.
But speaking to the media, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said the Army had never conducted an operation in collaboration with Asari-Dokubo’s men.
