Nigeria and Niger have decided to strengthen their security cooperation, the Nigerian military reported on Thursday, despite ongoing tensions following last year’s coup in Niger.
On Wednesday, the defense chiefs of both nations signed a memorandum of understanding in Niamey, Niger’s capital, reaffirming their dedication to revitalizing their partnership to promote regional stability and security.
The relationship between Nigeria and Niger became strained after the July 2023 coup that removed Mohamed Bazoum from power, leading to divisions within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and raising concerns about the fight against Islamist insurgency in the region.
In response to ECOWAS’s threat of military action if diplomatic efforts failed, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali exited the 15-member bloc in January, criticizing ECOWAS for not effectively addressing Islamist violence and forming the Alliance of Sahel States as an alternative military coalition.
Despite the tense relations, Niger has continued to be part of a Nigeria-led multinational joint task force combating Boko Haram in the Lake Chad region, though its participation has been limited.
The recent agreement indicates Niger’s willingness to re-engage fully in security efforts under the Multinational Joint Task Force, as noted by the Nigerian military.