Despite the absence of an official announcement to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), the Republic of Niger has quietly withdrawn all its troops from the regional security framework, intelligence sources can confirm
The MNJTF, a regional military coalition comprising Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon, has played a pivotal role in countering insurgency threats from Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Lake Chad Basin. However, Niger’s exit has raised fresh concerns about security vulnerabilities along Nigeria’s northern borders, particularly in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
Senior officials within the MNJTF confirmed that while Niger has not formally communicated its withdrawal, troops stationed in key operational sectors—particularly those in Diffa, near Nigeria’s northeast—have been redeployed to focus on securing Niger’s strategic assets, including oil infrastructure and border regions.
Niger’s decision comes amid growing geopolitical shifts in the Sahel, with the ruling junta prioritizing bilateral security arrangements with Russia while distancing itself from regional and Western-backed security initiatives.
This move follows Niger’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its suspension of cooperation with the MNJTF, which was initially formed in response to the cross-border threat posed by terrorist groups in the Lake Chad region.
The withdrawal coincides with increasing foreign military activity in Niger. Intelligence reports indicate that both Russian and U.S. military assets have made strategic landings in the country in recent days. On March 24, a Russian Tupolev Tu-154M military aircraft landed in Agadez from Libya, while on March 26, a U.S. military Dash-8 aircraft arrived in Niamey from the Sigonella Military Base in Italy.
Additionally, reports suggest that new contingents of the Russian-backed African Corps believed to be replacing Wagner Group operatives have arrived in Mali’s capital, Bamako. This suggests a realignment of security strategies by the Sahel’s military-led governments, including Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, known collectively as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Security Implications for Nigeria and Lake Chad Basin
With Niger’s troop withdrawal, Nigeria now faces an increased security burden along its northeastern border, where ISWAP has been emboldened in recent months. The Lake Chad region has historically been a critical base for Boko Haram factions, and Niger’s disengagement from MNJTF operations could create a security vacuum, potentially allowing terrorist elements to regroup and intensify cross-border attacks.
Additionally, intelligence sources warn of an increased proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) from the Sahel into Nigeria, with reports suggesting that Ukrainian weapons have surfaced in the hands of extremist groups. The security situation in Diffa, near Nigeria’s northeast, is particularly concerning, as both Boko Haram and ISWAP factions continue to exploit weak border controls.
Despite Niger’s withdrawal, MNJTF member states Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon have vowed to sustain counterterrorism operations in the region. Military sources indicate that the Nigerian Army has increased border surveillance efforts and is coordinating with Chad and Cameroon to prevent a resurgence of insurgent activities.
However, security experts warn that without a fully functional MNJTF, counterinsurgency efforts in the Lake Chad Basin could face significant setbacks. Nigeria’s security agencies have been urged to strengthen intelligence-sharing mechanisms and border security measures to mitigate potential threats arising from Niger’s withdrawal.
As the security landscape in the Sahel continues to evolve, Nigeria’s strategic response will be critical in maintaining stability in the region.
Credit : Zagazola Makama ( X)
