The recent withdrawal of Sahelian nations from the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has raised concerns about the security implications in the region. Air Chief Abubakar highlighted the disruption of existing security frameworks and the impact on multinational defence collaborations during a meeting in Abuja.
The departure of these countries has directly affected the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), a crucial coalition in the fight against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. With Chad also considering withdrawal, the MNJTF’s capacity for joint operations has been significantly compromised.
As a result, Nigeria’s military, particularly the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), must take on a greater role in regional security to counter these evolving threats. Strengthening operational readiness, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and leveraging advanced air power are key strategies identified by Abubakar to mitigate the security challenges ahead.
The Sahel region remains a hotspot for terrorism and insurgency, with extremist groups exploiting weak governance structures to expand their influence. The porous borders in the Lake Chad Basin have further enabled these groups to sustain their activities, posing a persistent threat to regional stability.
In addition to the Sahel, security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea, such as piracy and illegal oil bunkering, continue to pose significant risks. Abubakar emphasized the need for sustained aerial surveillance and stronger regional cooperation to enhance maritime security in the region.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Nigerian Air Force is projected to assess the security landscape, review operational successes and setbacks, and develop actionable strategies for NAF operations. Abubakar stressed the crucial role of effective deployment of air power in supporting national security objectives and commended the dedication of NAF personnel in addressing these challenges.
In conclusion, addressing the security threats in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea regions requires a unified approach, coordinated air operations, intelligence sharing, and strategic partnerships. The NAF is poised to engage in discussions with commitment and foresight to ensure a proactive and effective response to the security challenges in the year ahead.
