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Nigeria advised to forge alliance with sahel states to stem jihadist expansion
Nigeria advised to forge alliance with sahel states to stem jihadist expansion
By: Zagazola Makama
Security analyst and counterinsurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, has called on Nigeria to urgently forge a practical and trust-based alliance with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to halt the rapid expansion of jihadist networks from the Greater Sahel into littoral West Africa.
Makama, known for his authoritative insights on Lake Chad and Sahel security dynamics, made the call in an advisory released on Tuesday. He emphasised that the recent surge in jihadist activities particularly by Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) now poses a direct threat to Nigeria and its neighbours along the Atlantic coast.
According to him, this rising tide of extremism demands a unified response that transcends political divides, ideological alignments, and historical grievances.
Nigeria must lead the charge
Makama urged Nigeria to take the lead in initiating a regional counterterrorism alliance involving AES members Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger as well as neighbouring states like Chad, Central African Republic (CAR), Sudan, and Libya.
He said Nigeria’s experience in fighting Boko Haram and ISWAP, its strong military assets, and its leadership role in ECOWAS position it as a natural leader in this proposed coalition.
“The threat is no longer confined to the Sahel. Jihadist groups are pushing southward with clear intent to destabilise littoral states such as Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Nigeria is the buffer, and if Nigeria is overwhelmed, the entire subregion could unravel,” Makama warned.
He advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as ECOWAS Chairman, to convene a summit with AES leaders Capt. Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, Col. Assimi Goïta of Mali, and Gen. Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger.
“Let Nigeria rise above politics and take the initiative. A united African front is the only way to roll back the tide of extremism in the region,” he added.
Security collaboration and intelligence sharing
Makama recommended the creation of a joint regional intelligence platform that would allow real-time sharing of information on jihadist movements, recruitment cells, and financing.
He called for a regional military alliance capable of launching cross border operations against terror enclaves in the Liptako-Gourma triangle and along the Nigeria-Niger border where ISSP is recruiting among Fulani youths under its “Lakurawa” network. Nigeria has the air power, AES has the ground knowledge. Coordinated, precision-led strikes are possible if trust is built and maintained,” he said.
Tackling the roots of terror
Beyond kinetic responses, Makama stressed the need for socio-economic interventions to address the root causes of radicalisation. He proposed joint investment in agriculture, road infrastructure, youth employment schemes, and cross-border trade corridors.
He also urged Nigeria to support AES countries with agricultural technology and capacity-building to reduce rural poverty and food insecurity conditions often exploited by jihadist groups. “An idle young man in Gao or Tillaberi is the perfect prey for terrorists. Development is as important as the gun in this war,” he said.
Border control and propaganda warfare
To contain the spread of jihadists and arms across porous frontiers, Makama advised the deployment of drones, surveillance systems, and joint patrols. He further proposed expanding Nigeria’s current border security framework in the Lake Chad Basin to cover AES border zones.
Makama also urged Nigeria to share the successes and methodologies of its deradicalisation programme, Operation Safe Corridor, with AES states.
“Jihadists use narratives to recruit and hold territory. We must counter them with stronger narratives ones rooted in culture, faith, and community resilience,” he noted.
Bringing in CAR, Sudan and Libya
Makama said the conflicts in Libya, Sudan, and CAR continue to fuel instability in the Sahel, as they serve as arms depots and transit points for fighters. He called for Nigeria and AES to extend their security coordination to these countries, using platforms such as the African Union and ECCAS.
He suggested engaging the Libyan National Army (LNA) in the east and western government factions separately, while also advocating for the inclusion of a Sahel-specific security agenda in AU-led peace talks on Sudan.
Neutrality and trust-building
Makama acknowledged the current mistrust between AES and ECOWAS, and the geopolitical divergence between Nigeria’s Western alliances and AES’s turn toward Russia. He proposed Togo and Senegal as neutral mediators in convening the proposed summit.
He commended Nigeria’s new visa-free policy for Africans as a step toward soft power diplomacy and urged for inter-community dialogue among Fulani, Tuareg, and Hausa groups to reduce ethnic tensions fueling extremism.
“Our cultures connect us. Our borders divide us. We must return to our shared African identity and fight together,” Makama said.
“We are running out of time. The jihadists are adapting, expanding, and exploiting every gap. If we don’t build a continental firewall today, we will be fighting fires on the Atlantic coast tomorrow.”
He called on Nigerian leadership to rise above regional politics and act decisively in shaping a continental security response capable of restoring peace, order, and development in the Sahel and beyond.
By bridging the Sahel and coastal states through collaboration, trust, and mutual interest, Nigeria and its neighbours can stem the tide of extremist violence threatening regional stability.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Nigeria advised to forge alliance with sahel states to stem jihadist expansion
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have repelled a Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist infiltration into Kanama town, neutralising four insurgents during a swift response operation in Borno State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on April 22 when troops of 159 Battalion, deployed in Kanama, responded to sounds of gunfire within the town.
On arrival, the troops reportedly discovered that terrorists had infiltrated parts of the community.
The troops immediately made contact and engaged the attackers with disciplined fire, forcing them to retreat in disarray.
Subsequent exploitation of the general area led to the neutralisation of four terrorists.
One member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained injuries during the encounter and has been evacuated for medical attention.
No military equipment was lost during the operation.
Items recovered from the terrorists include two torchlight mobile phones and the sum of ₦21,000.
Security sources said the general situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.
Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
News
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
The high-profile terrorism trial in Charge No. FHC/ASB/18C/2024 took a dramatic and gripping turn this week at the Federal High Court, Asaba, as explosive evidence and powerful witness testimonies continue to unfold against Mike Nwaukoni (aka “Supu”) and his alleged accomplices.
Standing trial alongside him are prominent figures including Barrister Francis Okolie, Secretary of the Ogwashi-Uku Development Association (ODA), and Mazi Elue Adigwe, the association’s Secretary-General, among others accused in connection with the violent October 12, 2023 attack on the Palace of the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku.
🔴 Doctor’s Testimony Leaves Court in Silence
In what court observers have described as one of the most chilling moments of the trial so far, Dr. Ezeike Ugochukwu Godwin took the witness stand and delivered a clinical yet deeply emotional account of the injuries sustained by a vigilante operative assigned to protect the Palace.
The doctor confirmed that the victim suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including injuries to the head and upper limbs, describing in precise medical terms the severity of the trauma.
According to his testimony, the victim was brought into the emergency unit in a state of intense pain and critical distress, alongside several others wounded during the attack.
Dr. Ezeike further told the court that the patient was referred from the Divisional Police Headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, reinforcing the official chain of response following the violent incident.
🔴 Police Investigator Details Chaos and Destruction
A day earlier, on April 21, 2026, the court heard from Inspector Ijeoma Ovat, the initial Investigating Police Officer (IPO), who painted a harrowing picture of the aftermath of the attack.
She testified about the widespread chaos, multiple casualties, and destruction that followed the invasion of the Palace during the controversial Ineh Festival. Crucially, she tendered photographic evidence showing heavily damaged police and vigilante vehicles, corroborating claims of a coordinated and violent assault.
Sources within the prosecution confirm that the damage to the vehicles was extensive and consistent with armed aggression.
🔴 Witnesses Tie Defendants to Armed
AssaultEarlier testimonies in the trial have reportedly identified the defendants as active participants, alleging they were armed with guns and other dangerous weapons during the attack. Witnesses have also pointed to Mike Nwaukoni as a central figure who allegedly instigated and coordinated the operation.
🔴 Passport Request Sparks Legal Firestorm
In a fresh development that has further intensified proceedings, lead prosecutors in the case including CSP Samuel Mallum Esq and A.I Aminu Esq from the Police Legal Directorate in Abuja have strongly opposed an application by Nwaukoni’s legal team seeking the temporary release of his international passport for overseas travel.
According to sources, the prosecution argued that granting such a request poses a serious flight risk, warning that the defendant could attempt to evade justice, seek asylum, or acquire foreign citizenship.
The prosecution also suggested that the move may be a deliberate tactic to delay the trial, particularly as significant portions of the case have already been established.
The matter has been adjourned for further consideration, with hearings expected to resume in late May, continuing into early June 2026.
🔴 Calm Returns to Ogwashi-Uku Amid Trial
Meanwhile, community sources in Ogwashi-Uku report a notable return of peace and stability since the commencement of the trial. Residents have expressed hope that the judicial process will be seen through to a swift and just conclusion, bringing lasting closure to one of the most serious security incidents in the Kingdom’s recent history.
Dramatic Testimony Rocks Nwaukoni Terrorism Trial In Asaba — Doctor Confirms Gunshot Wounds In Palace Attack Case
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS logistics supplier and intercepted a large quantity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) concealed in a tricycle in Borno State.
Security sources said the suspect was apprehended at about 9:10 a.m. on April 21 by troops of 159 Battalion at a checkpoint within Sector 2 Area of Responsibility.
The suspect was reportedly conveying PMS concealed in 15 sacks, disguised with bags of sachet water in an attempt to evade detection.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the consignment was being transported to Kanama town and neighbouring communities around Dikwa and Bultuwa, areas believed to be within terrorist influence.
Items recovered from the suspect include a mobile phone and the sum of ₦34,950.
The sources said the suspect and recovered exhibits are in military custody for further investigation and necessary action.
They added that the interception forms part of ongoing operations aimed at disrupting terrorist logistics networks and denying them access to critical supplies across the North-East theatre.
Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorist Logistics Supplier, Seize PMS in Borno
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Troops Repel Terrorist Infiltration in Kanama, Neutralise Four Insurgents
Troops Respond to Attack in Zamfara, IED Incident Recorded Without Casualties
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