Nigeria and Niger Sign Security Cooperation Agreement Amid Rising Tensions

Amid escalating tensions, Nigeria and Niger have signed a security cooperation agreement to enhance mutual defense and regional stability.

Nigeria and Niger, despite their conflicts arising from the coup in Niger last year, have signed a security cooperation agreement to enhance regional stability and safety. The Nigerian army revealed this accord on Thursday.

On Wednesday, the defense chiefs of both nations signed a memorandum of understanding in Niamey, Niger’s capital. In response to this development, a communiqué released by Nigeria’s army affirmed that both parties have recommitted themselves towards resuming and enhancing collaboration with regards to regional stability and security.

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In July 2023, the overthrow of Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum through a coup created tensions between Nigeria and Niger while also causing divisions within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The occurrence of this coup generated worries about combatting Islamist violence in the area.

Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali left the 15-member ECOWAS in January after threatening to intervene militarily if democratic governance was not restored through diplomatic means. The move came after these nations accused ECOWAS of failing to support their fight against Islamist violence. As a result, they subsequently created the Alliance of Sahel States with an agreement for military cooperation.

Despite reducing its involvement, Niger continues to be a member of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which is led by Nigeria and combats Boko Haram in Lake Chad region. As per Nigerian communiqué, this recent agreement highlights that Niger plans to actively renew security cooperation within the framework of MNJTF.