…says Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso’s ECOWAS exit increases Nigerian military’s burden
By Nkechi Eze
Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar, has called for a unified approach in addressing security challenges.
Abubakar said this at the opening of the First Quarter Meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding and Commanders on Wednesday 26 February 2025, in Abuja.
The CAS noted that the withdrawal of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) from existing security frameworks has caused significant disruptions to regional security arrangements.
According to the CAS, this development has direct implications for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which plays a crucial role in countering Boko Haram and ISWAP across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
He further stated that the recent withdrawal of some Sahel states from ECOWAS has significant implications for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
“The recent withdrawal of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) from ECOWAS has disrupted existing security frameworks. This development has direct implications for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which has played a crucial role in countering Boko Haram and ISWAP across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
“With AES member states opting out and Chad considering withdrawal, the MNJTF’s capacity to conduct joint operations is now significantly affected. As a result, the burden on the Armed Forces of Nigeria to support the MNJTF will increase, demanding a more robust, agile, and adaptive response from the Nigerian Air Force.
He further stated that “Strengthening operational readiness, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and leveraging advanced air power will be critical in mitigating these evolving threats as we progress through 2025.
The CAS further disclosed that the Sahel region remains a hotbed of terrorism and insurgency, with Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups taking advantage of weak governance to spread their influence. Weak borders in the Lake Chad Basin have allowed these extremist groups to continue their activities, posing a significant threat to regional stability.
Furthermore, he stated that the Gulf of Guinea is still vulnerable to maritime crimes like piracy and illegal oil bunkering. To address these challenges, he noted that a sustained aerial surveillance and stronger regional cooperation are necessary to boost maritime security.
“A unified approach is crucial to tackling these issues, emphasizing coordinated air operations, intelligence sharing, and strategic partnerships.” He said.
Speaking on challenges been faced as a nation, he disclosed that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and multifaceted, with various threats emerging across the country. Despite progress in counterinsurgency operations in the North-East and North-West regions in 2024, the Sahel region’s volatile security situation continues to fuel insecurity in Nigeria.
“Domestically, Nigeria’s security challengesremain multifaceted. The counterinsurgency operations in the North-East and North-West recorded significant progress in the first 3 quarters of Year 2024, due to increased synergy between the NAF and ground forces which ledto the neutralization of high-value terrorist targets.
“Despite our heightened efforts, the highly volatile, uncertain and complex security situation in the Sahel region continues to feed insecurity in Nigeria, as we have seen in the emergence of the Lakurawa group in the North-West.” He said.
Air Marshall Abubakar said that the resurgence of Boko Haram and its use of drones carrying locally fabricated grenades in a kamikaze role is particularly concerning, highlighting the need for a comprehensive counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system.
He disclosed that to address these challenges, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) must leverage advancements in technology and modern warfare to enhance its operational effectiveness. This includes implementing a robust counter-Unmanned Aeriel Vehicle (UAV) system to safeguard troops and air assets.
“To tackle these challenges, a unified approach is necessary, focusing on coordinated efforts, shared intelligence, and collaborative partnerships.” He said.
He further disclosed that the meeting will serve as a valuable opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s security situation in 2024. This reflection will involve a critical examination of successes and challenges faced by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) during that period. The outcome of this examination will inform the development of actionable strategies to guide NAF operations in 2025.
While appreciating the Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding and Commanders for their dedication and support, the CAS also urged them to engage in the discussions with utmost foresight, commitment and resolve.
“As the senior leadership of the Nigerian Air Force, we shoulder the vital responsibility of ensuring the effective deployment of Air Power in support of national security objectives.” He said.
