… Ex-Army spokesman calls for tighter border security

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. “Nigeria’s overriding interest is a stable and secure neighbour because instability in Niger inevitably has implications for Nigeria’s national security,” he said. Other News Troops foil terrorists’ advance on Sokoto, recover AK-47, ammunition Army arrests 2 suspected terrorists in Zamfara Nigerian Army grooms young officers for operational readiness Usman, a security and communication analyst, warned that instability or a breakdown in military command and control could create opportunities for terrorists and criminal groups to exploit the situation. He said such groups could move across borders and intensify attacks in Nigeria’s northern states. Similarly, Dikwa called for stronger collaboration among countries in the Sahel and Lake Chad region to check the growing insecurity around international borders. He urged Nigeria not to remain aloof but to be proactive in responding to any escalation of tension in Niger. Nigeria shares a border with Niger Republic through Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states. Reports said heavy shooting involving a group of young military officers erupted in Niamey in the early hours of Saturday. The reports indicated that the military mutiny targeted key locations, including the presidential palace and international airport. Growing disaffection over the incessant loss of soldiers in battles against terrorists was reportedly said to have triggered the mutiny. However, Niger’s military government said it had contained the reported mutiny in the capital, Niamey. Tags: