Military cooperation planned between Nigeria, Benin and Niger
Nigeria is entering into further military cooperation with Benin and Niger in an attempt to protect its borders reports Africanews on July 3rd.
Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s defence minister said on July 2nd that the creation of a new tri-border military sector is in the works. There is no timeline on this plan to secure the Nigeria-Benin-Niger border with Musa calling it a “work in progress”.
Since 2009 Nigeria has been dealing with internal militias, there have been an increase of regional jihadist threats. Al-Qaeda militias and groups linked to the Islamic state have been entering the northwest of Nigeria through Benin and Burkina Faso.
The surge in jihadist groups has shifted the geographical location of conflict in Nigeria. Once violence and conflict were generally confined to the northwest of the country, violence is now spreading to the southwest with jihadists being blamed for a school kidnapping in June 2026.
In an effort to further it’s security, Nigeria has collaborated with the US whose strikes have killed militia in the country. Additional collaborations are with Beninese forces operating with Nigeria’s approval.
In his recent statement, Muso also announced his intention to visit Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. Former members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and all ruled by military authorities, the three West African countries broke away to form the Alliance of Sahel states in 2024.
While Musa highlighted the political ramifications of Nigeria visiting these states, he argued that for military safety they have to be “able to go beyond that”. Musa also stated the authoritative figures in Niamey, Niger’s capital are aware “how important it is not to allow any gaps to exist” in security.
Africanews., Maghrebi.org
Want to chase the pulse of North Africa?
Subscribe to receive our FREE weekly PDF magazine
