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Retired military generals, former diplomats, and security experts are urging the Nigerian government to prioritize fortifying the nation’s northern borders in response to growing concerns over security threats linked to the ongoing tensions with Niger. These experts emphasize that the safety of Nigerians, particularly those in the northern states, must remain the government’s top priority.
This call comes after recent accusations by Niger’s military leadership, alleging that Nigeria has been involved in destabilizing activities. Brigadier General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the military head of Niger, claimed in an interview that France had been negotiating with terrorists within Nigeria to destabilize his country. Tchiani also alleged that Nigeria had received significant financial support from France to establish a military base and was accused of sponsoring attacks along the border to destabilize Niger’s new leadership.
In response to these claims, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, denied the existence of any foreign military bases in the country, emphasizing that Nigeria would maintain its diplomatic relations with France and other global powers like the U.S., China, and Russia. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) also rejected these allegations, calling them unfounded.
General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) urged the Nigerian government to activate contingency plans aimed at safeguarding border communities. He stressed that instability in Niger could lead to security challenges in Nigeria, especially in the northern region, and highlighted the need to protect Nigeria’s porous borders from terrorism and cross-border criminal activities.
Adewinbi suggested the implementation of strict border security measures, including perimeter fencing, to control immigration and reduce security risks. He warned that some neighboring countries have not been fully cooperative in tackling cross-border issues, and securing Nigeria’s borders should be a matter of national priority.
Brigadier General John Sura (retd.), former commander of the Nigerian Army’s 1st Division, also voiced concern over Tchiani’s statements, arguing they could exacerbate tensions between Nigeria and Niger. He called for a thorough analysis of the situation and reinforced border security to prevent militants and weapons from entering Nigeria.
Sura cautioned that Tchiani’s allegations might be an attempt to tarnish Nigeria’s image and possibly lay the groundwork for future conflict, including the export of terrorism into Nigerian territory. He recommended the deployment of troops and drones to monitor the borders closely.
Gen. Ishola Williams (retd.), former head of the Nigerian Army and Transparency International Nigeria, criticized Tchiani’s remarks, suggesting they were a diversion from Niger’s internal problems. He likened the statements to common propaganda used by leaders facing political pressure.
Sola Abolurin, a retired career diplomat, rejected the Nigerien allegations as baseless, emphasizing that the Lukarawa terror group, which has wreaked havoc in northern Nigeria, operates from Mali and enters Nigeria through Niger. He argued that Nigeria has a vested interest in preventing destabilization in Niger, as the two nations share close ties.
Rasheed Akinkuolie, Nigeria’s former consul to Cameroon, also dismissed the accusations against Nigeria, asserting that Niger’s instability is self-inflicted and not caused by external forces. He noted that Tchiani’s choice to speak in Hausa was an attempt to stir sentiments within Nigeria, particularly among its large Hausa population, which he believed would fail.
As tensions continue to rise, experts stress the need for Nigeria to safeguard its borders and manage its foreign relations carefully to avoid escalation of the crisis.
