Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso’s Exit from ECOWAS Increases Military Burden – Air Chief

• The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali from ECOWAS has increased pressure on Nigeria’s military

• The exit disrupts regional security frameworks, affecting the MNJTF’s efforts against Boko Haram and ISWAP

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has revealed that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has placed additional pressure on the Nigerian military.

In Abuja at a quarterly meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, and Commanders, Abubakar highlighted that the exit has disrupted regional security frameworks.

This directly affects the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which has been instrumental in combating Boko Haram and ISWAP across Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.

“The security landscape in West Africa remains highly complex in 2024,” Abubakar stated. “The Sahel region continues to be a hotspot for terrorism, with extremist groups exploiting weak governance to expand their influence.”

He noted that porous borders in the Lake Chad Basin have enabled these elements to persist, posing a persistent threat to regional stability.

Abubakar also addressed maritime security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea, highlighting increased piracy and illegal oil bunkering. He stressed the need for enhanced aerial surveillance and stronger regional cooperation.

On Nigeria’s internal security, he praised the progress made in counterinsurgency efforts in the Northeast and North West but warned of emerging threats.

“A key incident in 2024 was the use of drones carrying locally fabricated grenades in a kamikaze role by Boko Haram to attack troops in Wajiroko, Damboa LGA. This highlights the growing threat of drone technology in terrorist activities,” he said.

With Chad also considering withdrawal from ECOWAS, Abubakar warned that the MNJTF’s operational capacity could weaken, placing more responsibility on the Nigerian military.

He called for a more agile and adaptive response from the Nigerian Air Force.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria must enhance operational readiness, improve inter-agency coordination, and leverage advanced air power to counter these threats effectively,” he said. “Implementing a comprehensive counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system to safeguard our troops and air assets is equally critical.”

The Air Chief emphasized the need for a unified regional approach, stressing coordinated air operations, intelligence sharing, and strategic partnerships to mitigate these evolving security threats.