Nigeria, Niger Bolster Security Ties: Defence Chiefs Commit to Enhanced Cooperation Amid Regional Challenges

Published By Aisha Rabo On Aug 28, 2024

Nigeria, Niger Bolster Security Ties: Defence Chiefs Commit to Enhanced Cooperation Amid Regional Challenges

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Nigeria, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, recently met with General Moussa Salaou Barmou, Chief of Staff of the Nigerien Armed Forces, in Niamey, Republic of Niger.

The high-level meeting, aimed at deepening the fraternal bilateral relationship between the two nations, focused on exploring new avenues for security cooperation.

This development was confirmed in a press statement released by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, on Wednesday in Abuja.

During their discussions, both military leaders underscored the necessity of sustained dialogue and collaboration to tackle mutual security challenges. They emphasized the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between Nigeria and Niger, highlighting the critical role of joint military operations, intelligence sharing, and tactical coordination in ensuring regional stability.

A key issue discussed was the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the region, a factor contributing to heightened instability and conflict. Both defence chiefs acknowledged the pressing need to curb the illicit flow of these weapons. They pledged to intensify efforts to enhance border security and to support regional and international initiatives aimed at controlling and reducing the spread of such weaponry.

The meeting also saw a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to good neighbourliness, with General Musa assuring that Nigeria would not be used to destabilize Niger or any of its neighboring countries. In response, Niger reaffirmed its readiness to actively participate in security cooperation, particularly within the framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).

In a significant move to solidify this renewed cooperation, General Barmou accepted an invitation from General Musa to visit Nigeria. The visit will be aimed at finalizing the modalities of their agreed cooperation, including the establishment of a Nigerien advisory group to interface with its Nigerian counterpart. This advisory group will be tasked with addressing issues of mutual concern and developing measures to further strengthen bilateral relations.

As part of his visit to Niamey, General Musa also paid a courtesy call on the Nigerien Deputy Minister of National Defence, General Sani Kache, further underscoring the importance of the Nigeria-Niger partnership in maintaining peace and security in the region.

The meeting between the defence chiefs marks a significant step forward in the collaborative efforts to address security challenges and foster peace and stability in West Africa.