… Ex-Army spokesman calls for tighter border security
Former Nigerian Army officials are urging the federal government to increase border security and intelligence coordination with Niger Republic. They warn that ongoing military instability in Niamey could create security vacuums that terrorists and criminal groups might exploit to infiltrate northern Nigeria.
Why it matters
Regional instability in the Sahel directly threatens Nigeria's national security and could lead to increased cross-border insurgent activity.
From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri Former spokesman, Nigerian Army, Brig Gen Sani Usman (retd), and former University of Maiduguri lecturer, Prof Khalifa Dikwa, have urged the Federal Government to tighten security and surveillance along Nigeria’s borders with Niger Republic following reports of growing tension in the country. The duo spoke separately with The Sun yesterday on the reported military tension in Niamey and its possible implications for Nigeria’s national security. Their call followed reports of heavy shooting among military personnel in Niger’s capital, Niamey, on Saturday. Usman urged Nigeria to closely monitor developments in Niger while strengthening border security and intelligence coordination. “Nigeria should closely monitor developments in Niger, strengthen border security and intelligence coordination,” he said. The former Army spokesman also urged the Federal Government to pursue pragmatic diplomatic engagement with Niger Republic.
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