As Jamie Shannon, a character portrayed by Tom Berenger, and his team—Drew, Derek, Michel, Terry, and Richard—make their escape from Central America, they encounter an unexpected proposition from Endean, a shrewd British businessman representing a powerful tycoon. Endean’s company has set its sights on the untapped resources of Zangaro, a small African nation under the tyrannical rule of President Kimba.
Taking on a reconnaissance mission, Shannon journeys to Clarence, the capital of Zangaro, where he meets North, a British documentary filmmaker. North provides invaluable insights into the country's volatile political climate. However, Shannon's clandestine activities raise alarms among the local authorities, especially after a brief, illicit affair with a woman who is revealed to be one of Kimba's mistresses. The situation escalates, resulting in his arrest, where he endures brutal treatment and is thrown into a grim prison.
Within the confines of the prison, he encounters Dr. Okoye, a caring physician and former moderate political figure, who attends to his injuries. Meanwhile, North's relentless pursuit of justice eventually results in Shannon’s release after a mere two days in captivity.
Shannon returns to Endean, relaying that a coup seems improbable. Yet, undeterred, Endean offers him a staggering $100,000 to lead a mercenary operation aimed at overthrowing Kimba, with the ultimate goal of replacing him with Colonel Bobi, a former associate embroiled in corruption. This puppet government would ensure the profitable extraction of Zangaro’s newly discovered platinum reserves.
Though initially resistant, Shannon later contemplates a fresh start with his estranged girlfriend, Jessie, suggesting they relocate to the American West. Her rejection pushes him to accept Endean’s proposition, provided he retains full control over the military endeavor.
With a budget of one million dollars, Shannon reconnects with his contacts from Central America, gathering in London to orchestrate the invasion. They clandestinely acquire a significant arms cache, including Uzi submachine guns, ammunition, and heavy ordnance, from shady arms dealers.
The plot thickens when North uncovers Shannon’s secretive dealings in London. Worrying for his safety, Shannon instructs Drew to intimidate North into silence without any harm. However, a hitman—employed by Endean—takes matters into his own hands, leading to North's unexpected demise. In his anger, Shannon discovers the truth behind the hitman's actions and takes vengeance himself.
In a bold statement, Shannon leaves the assassin’s body at Endean's estate during a dinner party for Colonel Bobi. This act initiates a perilous game of cat and mouse, with implications that echo throughout their tangled destinies.
As Shannon plans the transport of his team and equipment to Zangaro's coast, he charters a modest freighter. Their team swells with Zangaran exiles and seasoned soldiers trained by a former mercenary. With the cover of night, this motley crew of freedom fighters launches a daring attack on Kimba's military stronghold. In the chaos, Drew finds himself face-to-face with a young woman and her baby; an attempt to leave peacefully leads to tragic consequences when she fatally shoots him. The mercenaries then wreak havoc, leaving destruction in their wake.
Concurrently, Shannon confronts Kimba in his lavish mansion, catching the dictator gathering cash. When Kimba offers a bribe for his life, Shannon mercilessly ends him. The following day, Endean arrives by helicopter, accompanied by Colonel Bobi, only to be met by Shannon and Dr. Okoye. With a wicked grin, Shannon anoints Dr. Okoye as the new president of Zangaro, diminishing Endean's claims over the nation with the chilling reminder: “You’re going to have to buy it all over again.”
As the film draws to a close, Shannon and his companions load Drew’s body onto a Land Rover, reminiscent of their earlier toast, “Everyone comes home.” They drive through the desolate streets of Clarence, their journey fading from view as they vanish into the horizon.
