Nigeria and Niger have taken a significant step toward bolstering their security collaboration, the Nigerian military announced on Thursday. This development comes despite the strained relations between the two nations following a coup in Niger last year.
On Wednesday, the defense chiefs of both countries met in Niamey, Niger’s capital, where they signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance their cooperation in regional security efforts. “Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to resuming and strengthening collaboration, with a view to ensuring regional stability and security,” the Nigerian military statement read.
Relations between Nigeria and Niger deteriorated sharply after Niger’s junta overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. The coup led to deep divisions within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), complicating the region’s battle against Islamist insurgency.
ECOWAS had threatened military intervention in Niger if diplomatic measures to restore democracy failed. In response, Niger, along with Burkina Faso and Mali, exited the 15-member bloc in January, criticizing ECOWAS for its ineffectiveness in combating Islamist militants. These nations then formed the Alliance of Sahel States as a separate military alliance.
Despite these tensions, Niger has remained a part of the Nigeria-led Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) combating Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, though its involvement has been minimal. The recent agreement, however, signals Niger’s renewed commitment to actively participate in the MNJTF, according to the Nigerian military’s statement.
