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Niger’s Withdrawal from MNJTF: A Looming Security Catastrophe
Niger’s Withdrawal from MNJTF: A Looming Security Catastrophe
By Zagazola Makama
As of March 30, 2025, Niger’s formal withdrawal from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has sent shockwaves through the security landscape of the Lake Chad Basin, raising alarms over the potential for increased instability and violence in the region. This decision, orchestrated by Niger’s ruling junta, not only destabilizes the existing counterterrorism framework but also poses grave implications for Niger itself, alongside its neighbors, Nigeria and Chad.
Niger’s exit from the MNJTF has left a significant security vacuum, particularly along its northeastern border with Nigeria. The loss of Sector 4, previously secured by Nigerien forces, creates an urgent vulnerability that could enable insurgent groups to exploit the weakened defenses. The porous border has long been a weak link in counterinsurgency efforts, and without Niger’s military presence, Boko Haram and ISWAP may find fertile ground to establish new operational bases, smuggle arms, and launch cross-border assaults.
Military sources in Maiduguri have already indicated heightened risks for border towns like Damasak and Goskeru, which have historically been targets of Boko Haram incursions. The absence of Nigerien forces, who previously acted as a buffer, significantly escalates the threat level, making these areas prime targets for renewed terrorist activity.
The implications of Niger’s withdrawal extend beyond border security; it exacerbates internal military strains and economic challenges. The Nigerien military, already stretched thin, will now face increased pressure to manage security on its own territory while simultaneously combating rising insurgent threats. This scenario could lead to a diversion of resources away from critical internal security operations, leaving the nation vulnerable to insurgent resurgence.
Moreover, the economic ramifications of this withdrawal cannot be understated. As Niger grapples with the fallout from increased violence, the strain on its already fragile economy will intensify. Humanitarian crises may worsen as displaced persons flood into Niger from neighboring conflict zones, further burdening relief efforts and straining resources.
Chad, a key player in the MNJTF, now faces additional pressures as it grapples with Niger’s exit. The Chadian military, already engaged in combating insurgents along its western front, must now contend with increased threats from Boko Haram factions operating in the Lake Chad islands. The diversion of military resources to address these new challenges could expose vulnerabilities in Chad’s other security operations, potentially destabilizing the entire region.
The logistical and coordination challenges posed by Niger’s withdrawal cannot be overlooked. Chad’s reliance on cross-border military coordination with Niger for intelligence-sharing and troop movements is now compromised, complicating its counterterrorism efforts. As military planners in N’Djamena scramble to adapt, the risk of operational failures looms large.
Niger’s withdrawal from the MNJTF signals a broader geopolitical realignment in the Sahel, raising concerns about its potential pivot toward new security partnerships, particularly with Russia. The junta’s distancing from Western allies and expulsion of French forces may pave the way for closer military cooperation with Moscow. This shift could further complicate regional counterterrorism efforts, as Niger deepens ties with Russian-backed mercenary groups, mirroring trends seen in Mali and Burkina Faso.
Such a realignment could jeopardize existing intelligence sharing frameworks and counterterrorism coordination among Niger, Nigeria, and Chad. The specter of increased Russian influence in the region adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile security landscape.
A Call to Action: Urgent Measures Needed
In light of these developments, it is imperative for Niger and its neighbors to take swift and decisive action to mitigate the looming security crisis. The remaining MNJTF members Nigeria and Chad must urgently restructure their military strategies to address the vacuum left by Niger’s withdrawal. This includes redistributing troops to bolster border defenses, deploying advanced surveillance technologies, and enhancing diplomatic efforts to maintain intelligence-sharing channels. If possible fill in the vacuum left by Niger Republic.
Failure to act decisively could allow insurgents to capitalize on the disruption, leading to a resurgence of violence that threatens not only Niger but the entire Lake Chad Basin. Already there has been massive recruitment by JNIM and increase presence of Lakurawa within the Nigerien borders.
The stakes have never been higher, and the time for action is now. Without effective measures to counter the rising tide of insecurity, the region risks slipping into a state of chaos, reversing years of progress against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
Conclusion
Niger’s withdrawal from the MNJTF marks a critical juncture in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin. The implications for Niger are profound, as the nation faces the dual challenges of securing its borders and managing internal stability amidst rising insurgent threats. As regional leaders grapple with these challenges, the urgency for a cohesive and collaborative response has never been more pressing. Failure to fill the void left by Niger’s exit could plunge the region into deeper insecurity, with devastating consequences for millions.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region
Niger’s Withdrawal from MNJTF: A Looming Security Catastrophe
Marwa loses mother-in-law, Hajiya Zainab Hussain
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa has lost his mother-in-law, Hajiya Zainab Hussain,
Hajiya Hussain who is the mother of Hajiya Munira Marwa, wife of Gen. Marwa, died in the early hours of Saturday 21st June 2025 in Abuja at the age of 76 years.
According to a statement by the family, the funeral prayer (Janazah) will take place today, Saturday 21st June 2025 at 2:00pm at the National Mosque, Abuja, followed immediately by interment at Gwarinpa Cemetery, Abuja.
The statement further read: “We pray that Allah (SWT) forgives her shortcomings, grants her eternal rest, and admits her into Aljannatul Firdaus.
“Kindly remember the family in your prayers during this moment of grief.”
Marwa loses mother-in-law, Hajiya Zainab Hussain
Cuba Calls on International Community to Pressurize Israel to Stop the Attack on Iran
By: Michael Mike
The Cuban Government has reiterated deep concern and has raised an alert to the imminent risk of intensification of Israel’s war against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Cuba called for the urgent mobilization of the international community to stop the Zionist military escalation and a direct attack by the United States against Iran
It also raised an alarm over the implication and threat of a direct attack by the United States and the danger that the conflict could go nuclear or that radioactive leaks may occur with disastrous and devastating consequences for humanity.
The Cuban Government in a statement by
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: “We call upon the American people and the international community to demand the immediate end of the military aggression against Iran, which has entered its seventh day today, in view of an eventual involvement of the United States Government, whose financial, political and military support to Israel, threatening statements and the recent deployment of means of warfare in the region, is acting as a destabilizing factor and represents a dangerous escalation of the conflict.”
Cuba further reiterated its full solidarity with the Islamic Republic of Iran and recalled the disastrous consequences of previous military interventions in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya, leaving a trail of chaos, violence and insecurity in those countries and in the regional environment.
The statement further read: “We make an urgent call to achieve peace through dialogue and negotiations without preconditions or pressure.
“Cuba supports the Statement issued by the Non-Aligned Movement and urges the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council to exercise their primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security; put an immediate end to this aggression, the impunity with which the Zionist regime is acting and work tirelessly to restore peace.
“An end must be put to Israel’s attacks against Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, in flagrant violation of International Law, and harm to civilians, in breach of International Humanitarian Law.
“The Cuban Embassy in Iran remains operational while observing the necessary safety measures for exceptional situations and providing continued service to Iran resident Cubans. Women and children were evacuated from our Embassy, together with three Cuban nationals living in Teheran.
Cuba reiterates, at this delicate moment in history, that only a comprehensive, fair and lasting solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will bring peace to the Middle-East region.
“We must act with the urgency and determination required by this moment. Tomorrow will be too late.”
Cuba Calls on International Community to Pressurize Israel to Stop the Attack on Iran
How swift intervention by troops prevents mass murder as irate youths kill 7 in plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Swift intervention by gallant troops of the Nigerian Army on Friday evening prevented what could have been a large-scale massacre after irate youths attacked innocent travellers in Mangun community, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The victims peaceful citizens of Hausa extraction were en route Qua’an-Pan Local Government Area to attend a wedding ceremony when their 18-seater bus mistakenly veered off course into Mangun via the Panyam–Kerang–Mangun road at about 6:00 p.m. on June 20.
Instead of helping the confused travellers, the assailants driven by deadly assumptions descended on the bus, viciously attacking the occupants, killing seven on the spot, injuring 21 others, and setting the vehicle ablaze.
It was the urgent and decisive response by troops under Operation Lafiyan Jama’a that averted a massacre of unimaginable scale. The troops rushed to the scene, engaged in a rescue operation under high tension, and successfully evacuated the survivors to safety. The injured were administered emergency treatment before being taken to the General Hospital in Mangu.
Preliminary findings confirmed the travellers were unarmed civilians, peaceful Nigerians who had only lost their way on a journey of joy.
Zagazola in the strongest possible terms, condemns this senseless, barbaric, and bloodthirsty attack on innocent souls whose only “offence” was their identity and wrong turn into a volatile community. This was not self-defence. It was cold-blooded murder, and the perpetrators must be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
Enough of this ethnic profiling and mob justice that continues to claim the lives of Nigerians across the country. Plateau State has seen too much bloodshed, and this latest atrocity is a painful reminder that hate continues to fester where justice is denied.
We commend the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their timely, courageous, and life-saving response. But it must not end there. Security agencies, traditional leaders, and government authorities must rise above lip service and ensure that every single individual involved in this heinous act is brought to book. Silence or delay would only embolden future attackers.
As troops continue to dominate the general area to prevent escalation, the nation watches and waits, not just for peace to return, but for justice to prevail.
How swift intervention by troops prevents mass murder as irate youths kill 7 in plateau
Marwa loses mother-in-law, Hajiya Zainab Hussain
Cuba Calls on International Community to Pressurize Israel to Stop the Attack on Iran
How swift intervention by troops prevents mass murder as irate youths kill 7 in plateau
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