In spite of official communication, Niger has taken troops out of MNJTF.

BY: ZOUWAIRA OUMAROU, ADAMU ALIYU NGULDE AND MOUSSA MANI

Intelligence sources have confirmed to the International News Syndicate that all troops in the region's security framework were quietly withdrawn by the Republic of Niger, despite there being no official announcement to the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC).

The Lake Chad Basin's insurgency threats against Boko Haram and ISWAP have been effectively addressed by the MNJTF, a regional military coalition comprised of Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. 

However, Niger’s exit has raised fresh concerns about security vulnerabilities, along Nigeria’s northern borders, particularly in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

MNJTF officials confirmed that troops stationed in critical operational sectors, including Diffa near Nigeria's northeast, have been redeployed to focus on safeguarding Niger's strategically important assets, including oil infrastructure and border regions, even though Niger has not officially communicated its withdrawal.

The Sahel is currently experiencing a surge in geopolitical shifts, with Niger's ruling junta emphasizing bilateral security agreements with Russia and disregarding regional and Western-supported security initiatives. 

Niger's withdrawal from ECOWAS and its suspension of cooperation with the MNJTF came as a result of the cross-border threat posed by terrorist groups in the Lake Chad region.

The withdrawal is tied to the increase in foreign military activity in Niger. Intelligence reports indicate that both Russian and U.S. military assets have made strategic landings in the country in recent days.

The withdrawal is tied to the increase in foreign military activity in Niger.

According to intelligence reports, Russian and U.S. military assets have made strategic landings in the country recently.

Agadez witnessed the arrival of two Russian Tupolev Tu-154M military aircraft: one on March 24 coming from Libya and another on March 26 arriving from the Sigonella Military Base in Italy.

Furthermore, it has been reported that newly arrived contingents of the Russian-funded African Corps believed to be replacing Wagner Group operatives have arrived in Mali's capital, Bamako. 

This suggests a realignment of security strategies by the Sahel’s military-led governments, including Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, known collectively as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) suggests that the military-led governments in the Sahel, including Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso, are rearranging their security strategies.

Due to Niger's troop withdrawal, Nigeria now has a greater security burden along its northeastern border, as ISWAP has become more armed over the last few months. 

The Lake Chad region has historically been a critical base for Boko Haram factions, and Niger’s disengagement from MNJTF operations could create a security vacuum, potentially allowing terrorist elements to regroup and intensify cross-border attacks.

 Niger's decision to disengage from MNJTF operations could create a security vacuum, which could potentially allow terrorist elements to regroup and intensify cross-border attacks in the Lake Chad region.

Additionally, intelligence sources warn of an increased proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) from the Sahel into Nigeria, with reports suggesting that Ukrainian weapons have surfaced in the hands of extremist groups. 

The security situation in Diffa, close to Nigeria's northeast, is especially worrisome due to the fact that both Boko Haram and ISWAP factions are taking advantage of weak border controls.

Intelligence sources have warned of a rise in the proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALW) from the Sahel to Nigeria, with reports suggesting that extremist groups have acquired Ukrainian weapons.