Olusegun Ariyo
Niger has reaffirmed its commitment to re-engage in the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
This decision was announced following a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and Niger’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Moussa Salaou Barmou, in Niamey.
The meeting, which aimed to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Niger, focused on deepening security cooperation between the two nations.
Recall that Niger had previously announced its withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) due to concerns over perceived interference in its internal affairs.
However, the country has now pledged to actively participate once again in the MNJTF, a coalition force established to combat security threats in the Lake Chad region.
In a statement released by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Acting Director of Defence Information, the discussions underlined the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration in addressing mutual security challenges.
Both military leaders stated the need for continued and expanded cooperation, including joint military operations, intelligence sharing, and tactical coordination.
The Defence Chiefs also acknowledged the detrimental impact of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons on regional security.
They recognized that the widespread availability of these weapons contributes to instability and conflict in the region.
To address this, both parties agreed to intensify efforts to curb the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons, enhance border security, and support broader regional and international efforts to control the spread of these weapons.
Niger’s Chief of Staff, General Barmou accepted an invitation from General Musa to visit Nigeria, where they will finalize the details of their renewed cooperation.
As part of this effort, a Nigerien advisory group will be established to work closely with its Nigerian counterpart, focusing on mutual concerns and maintaining communication between the two countries.
General Musa also paid a courtesy visit to Niger’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, General Sani Kache.
