Despite ongoing tensions following last year’s coup in Niger, Nigeria and Niger have signed a new security cooperation agreement, according to the Nigerian military. This development marks a significant step toward restoring and enhancing regional stability.
The agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding by the defense chiefs of both nations in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Wednesday, underscores a mutual commitment to reinforcing security ties. “Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to resuming and strengthening collaboration, with a view to ensuring regional stability and security,” the Nigerian military stated.
Relations between the two West African neighbors deteriorated sharply after a coup in July 2023, when Niger’s junta overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup also fractured the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), complicating regional efforts to combat Islamist insurgencies.
In response to the coup, ECOWAS threatened military intervention if diplomatic measures failed to reinstate Niger’s democratic government. This led Niger, along with Burkina Faso and Mali, to withdraw from the 15-member bloc in January. The three nations accused ECOWAS of failing to address the growing Islamist violence and subsequently formed the Alliance of Sahel States, a new military coalition.
While Niger has continued its involvement in the Nigeria-led Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) aimed at combating Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, its participation has been limited. However, the new agreement signals Niger’s willingness to re-engage more actively. The Nigerian military noted that Niger “reaffirmed its readiness to resume active participation in security cooperation under the Multinational Joint Task Force.”
This renewed cooperation comes at a crucial time, as both nations face significant security challenges in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions. The deal is seen as a positive step towards stabilizing the region and addressing the growing threat of Islamist militancy.
