“The Army has not formed an agreement with Asari-Dokubo’s security group,” says Spokesman.

The Nigerian Army has denied forming any alliance with Mujahid Asari-Dokubo, a former Niger Delta militant leader, or his private security company. In a recent podcast interview with Channels Television’s Seun Okinbaloye, Asari-Dokubo stated that his private military firm collaborates with the government to operate alongside the military in several Nigerian states. “Private military firms are prevalent globally; entities like Black Waters and Wagner are examples,” he noted.

However, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, refuted Asari-Dokubo’s claims. “The Nigerian Army has never worked alongside Asari-Dokubo’s group in any operation across the country,” he emphasized. He further clarified that it’s the responsibility of specific government agencies to verify the legitimacy of private military organizations. Nwachukwu insisted that the Army maintains no partnership with Asari-Dokubo or his security outfit.