Nigeria-Niger Crisis: Experts Urge Stronger Border Defense Amid Rising Security Threats
Amid escalating tensions between Nigeria and Niger, former diplomats, retired military officers, and security analysts are calling on President Bola Tinubu to focus on strengthening Nigeria’s northern borders. The aim is to safeguard against potential security risks as the ongoing conflict between the two countries intensifies.
The experts emphasized that the safety of Nigerian citizens, particularly in the northern region, should be the government’s top priority in managing the crisis. This call for enhanced border security comes after Niger’s military regime leveled serious accusations against Nigeria.
In a recent interview, Niger’s military leader, Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani, accused Nigeria of being involved in activities aimed at destabilizing Niger. He alleged that France was negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to weaken his government and claimed that France had made a substantial payment to President Tinubu in exchange for establishing a military base in Nigeria.
Tchiani also accused Nigeria of sponsoring terrorist attacks along the border to destabilize Niger’s leadership. The military junta went further, blaming Nigeria for a recent attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline, reportedly orchestrated by the terrorist group Lakurawa.
In response, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed the allegations, stating there was no foreign military base in Nigeria. He also advised the government to bolster security along the borders by deploying troops and surveillance drones.
Concerns have been raised about the possibility of Niger forging alliances with foreign powers, including Russia. Some security experts warn that such allegations could serve as a pretext for escalating tensions and potential conflict, possibly even leading to the infiltration of terrorist groups into Nigeria.
Former army chief and ex-chairman of Transparency International Nigeria, Gen. Ishola Williams (retd.), criticized Tchiani’s claims, suggesting they were part of a strategy to deflect attention from Niger’s internal problems. According to Williams, the Nigerien military leader was using these allegations to rally domestic support and distract from the country’s deeper issues.
Locals along Nigeria’s northern border with Niger, including community leaders from areas such as Marake, Kudula, and Bikini, have denied the presence of any foreign military camps. They stated that their regions have not witnessed any unusual military activity and maintain peaceful relations with neighboring Nigerien communities.
One resident of Ruwa-Wuri, Malam Kabiru Muhammad, noted the occasional presence of bandits, but denied any reports of foreign military involvement. Other residents, including commercial motorcyclists and traditional leaders, also rejected the allegations, affirming the peaceful coexistence between the two nations and the cooperation between local vigilantes and the Nigerien military in maintaining security.
Garba Yusuf, the Seriki Arewa of Araba in Illela LGA, dismissed the allegations as baseless and harmful to the harmonious relationship between Nigerian and Nigerien border communities. He explained that Nigerien military personnel work alongside local vigilantes to ensure security, particularly against banditry.
As tensions continue to rise, experts agree that securing the northern borders of Nigeria and maintaining diplomatic caution are crucial to prevent further escalation of the conflict with Niger. The Nigerian government is urged to prioritize the safety of its citizens while navigating these complex geo
political challenges.
