The exit of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has increased the burden on the Nigerian military, according to Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.
Abubakar made this statement at the First Quarter Meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, and Commanders in Abuja. He emphasized that the withdrawal of these countries from the regional bloc has disrupted existing security frameworks, affecting the Multinational Joint Task Force’s (MNJTF) capacity to conduct joint operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) will need to respond more robustly to address the challenges posed by the exit of these countries from ECOWAS. Abubakar stressed the importance of enhanced operational readiness, inter-agency coordination, and advanced air power in addressing these challenges.
The Sahel region remains a hotspot for terrorism and insurgency, with Al-Qaeda-affiliated groups exploiting weak governance structures. Porous borders in the Lake Chad Basin have allowed extremist elements to sustain their activities, posing a threat to regional stability. Additionally, the Gulf of Guinea remains vulnerable to maritime crimes, including piracy and illegal oil bunkering.
The meeting aimed to review Nigeria’s security landscape in 2024 and project strategies for NAF operations in 2025. Abubakar’s comments highlighted the need for a unified approach to addressing the security challenges facing the region.
