Nigeria’s military pledges cooperation with Sahelian States in counter-terrorism efforts
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to collaborating with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, despite their recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Musa made this statement on Thursday in Abuja while hosting a delegation from the Sahelian Think Tank, ‘Alliance De Sahel’, comprising representatives from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
The delegation, led by Aliyu Gebi, Coordinator of the Fusion Centre for Dialogue and Peace Processes, visited Nigeria to study its non-kinetic counterterrorism strategies, particularly the success of Operation Safe Corridor.
General Musa highlighted the importance of collaboration between Nigeria and its Sahelian neighbours in addressing terrorism, stressing that security threats in the Sahel directly impact Nigeria and vice versa.
He noted that the militaries in the region are working together to promote peace and revealed his intention to visit Mali and Burkina Faso to strengthen ties.
“This meeting is timely, given the current developments in Africa. It reinforces the unity of purpose we share.
“Your presence here from the Sahelian states demonstrates that we remain united despite our challenges.
“As Africans, we must stand together. The enemies we are facing have no regard for life, humanity, or territorial boundaries.
“It is crucial that we unite to defeat them, and I am pleased that our brothers from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and other countries are here to observe our disarmament efforts through Operation Safe Corridor,” Musa stated.
General Musa stressed that military operations alone cannot eliminate terrorism, as kinetic approaches only account for 30% of the solution.
“Non-kinetic measures are fundamental. We must ensure good governance, fairness, justice, and equity across our countries to address security challenges effectively.
“When citizens feel secure, valued, and included, they are more likely to support peace efforts.
“Only through this collective approach can we defeat criminal elements in our region,” he asserted.
The defence chief also recalled his previous visit to Niger, where he met with the country’s Chief of Defence Staff, and expressed plans to extend similar visits to Burkina Faso and Mali.
“Our unity is our strength. We are one family—our brothers in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali must not let external forces tell them otherwise,” he added.
Musa advised Sahelian nations to cut off terrorist access to mining sites and identify foreign sponsors to prevent the financing of militant activities.
“Terrorists rely on external funding and access to resources. Cutting off these avenues is key to dismantling their operations,” he explained.
In response, Aliyu Gebi, leader of the delegation, emphasised that regional stability depends on collective action.
“What affects Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso will inevitably affect Nigeria.
“The Nigerian military has made significant strides in defeating insurgents, but beyond military victory, we must work together to win lasting peace,” Gebi stated.
He further noted that the delegation’s visit aimed to study how Nigeria integrates kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to achieve sustainable peace.
General Aime Sampore, Head of the Alliance of Sahel States delegation, reiterated that a peaceful and stable Sahel would benefit Nigeria and, by extension, the entire African continent.
“A stable Sahel translates to a stable and prosperous Nigeria. Likewise, a stable and prosperous Nigeria will contribute to a peaceful Sahel and Africa as a whole,” Sampore concluded.
The visit underlined the growing recognition of regional cooperation as a crucial element in countering terrorism and ensuring long-term security in West Africa and the Sahel region.
