Delegates from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger visited Nigeria this week as part of efforts to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation and improve regional security in West Africa and the Sahel region. The delegation, which met with officials from Nigeria’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Abuja, came at a critical time as regional security challenges intensify.
This visit highlights the growing importance of collaboration between the countries most affected by terrorism in the Sahel. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have faced increased insecurity due to terrorist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), who have been wreaking havoc in the region.
Maj. Gen. Adamu Laka, the National Coordinator of the NCTC, addressed the importance of regional cooperation in combating terrorism during the meeting. He stated, “Cooperation in counterterrorism efforts is essential. It allows us to share information, resources, and expertise, which are vital to addressing the complex and multifaceted challenges we face.”
This meeting highlights Nigeria’s leadership in West African security and its commitment to regional peace and stability. Nigeria, along with its neighbours, has long been at the forefront of efforts to combat terrorism in the region, especially through initiatives like the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which operates in Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroon, and Benin.
The Sahel and West Africa have become hotspots for terrorist activities. In addition to Boko Haram and ISWAP, various groups linked to al-Qaeda have also spread violence across Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. These groups target both civilians and military personnel, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.
The situation worsened after Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) last year. This decision raised concerns that regional efforts to combat terrorism might falter without the collective strength of ECOWAS.
Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, expressed concerns about this withdrawal, noting that it has placed more pressure on Nigeria’s military to deal with the growing threat. Abubakar pointed out that the exit of these countries has disrupted existing security frameworks, especially the MNJTF, which has been crucial in coordinating efforts against terrorist groups in the region.
“The recent withdrawal of the Alliance of Sahel States from ECOWAS has increased the security burden on Nigeria’s military,” Abubakar said. “It has direct implications for counterterrorism efforts, especially against Boko Haram and ISWAP.”
During the visit, Maj. Gen. Laka emphasised the importance of information sharing and joint military exercises to improve the region’s ability to respond to terrorism. He explained that the visit would help foster greater teamwork, build trust, and promote the exchange of knowledge between security forces across the four nations.
“By coming together in this spirit of mutual understanding and cooperation, we strengthen our resolve and enhance our capabilities to effectively counter terrorism,” Laka said.
One of the key aspects of Nigeria’s counter-terrorism strategy is its focus on a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach. This includes not only military action but also legal, policy, and strategic frameworks to address the root causes of terrorism. Nigeria has also worked closely with regional partners through the Lake Chad Basin Commission to tackle terrorist groups operating around the Lake Chad region.
Gen. Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and Chairman of the West African Defence Chiefs, reinforced the importance of unity in the fight against terrorism. Speaking about the significance of the visit, Musa expressed his commitment to working with Mali and Burkina Faso to strengthen regional cooperation. He said that despite the recent political tensions, Nigeria remains dedicated to peace in the region.
“I visited Niger last year and was warmly received. I look forward to visiting Mali and Burkina Faso as well. We must remain united,” Musa said.
Musa also noted the shared cultural and historical ties between the countries of the Sahel and Nigeria. “If you look at our way of life – whether in Nigeria, Mali, or Niger – we are one and the same. The only difference is the borders drawn during colonial times. Our culture, attitudes, and behaviours are similar. This meeting is a testament to the fact that we are not enemies but brothers and sisters,” he said.
The visit also focused on the issue of funding for terrorist activities. Gen. Musa stressed the need to disrupt illegal mining operations, which have been a significant source of revenue for terrorist groups in the region. He called for a coordinated effort to stop these funds from reaching militant organisations.
“We must stop them from accessing funds. We need to prevent foreign partners from supporting them. This is crucial in our fight against terrorism,” Musa added.
The lead delegate from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, Aliyu Gebi, echoed the importance of regional cooperation, stressing that the fight against terrorism requires a united front. “We are safer and stronger when we work together. What happens in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso resonates in Nigeria,” Gebi said.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s military successes, especially in fighting Boko Haram and ISWAP, but also highlighted the need to harmonize strategies across borders. “We commend the Nigerian military for winning the war against insurgents, but we need to harmonize our strategies to win peace,” Gebi said.
The delegates’ visit also focused on the integration of both kinetic and non-kinetic operations to defeat terrorist groups. This involves using military force while also addressing the root causes of terrorism, such as poverty, governance issues, and social inequality.
