The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Nigeria, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Tuesday held a crucial meeting with General Moussa Salaou Barmou, the Chief of Staff of the Nigerien Armed Forces, in Niamey, Republic of Niger.
The meeting was centered on enhancing the long-standing bilateral relationship between the two nations and exploring avenues to strengthen security cooperation.
This development is significant as it comes on the heels of Niger’s recent announcement to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over what it termed as interference in its internal affairs.
However, in a surprising turn of events, Niger has “reaffirmed its readiness to resume active participation in security cooperation under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF),” a key initiative aimed at combating terrorism and ensuring stability in the region.
A statement last night by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, said, “During the meeting, both parties recognized the importance of sustained dialogue and collaboration in addressing mutual security challenges and strengthening the strategic partnership between Nigeria and Niger.
“They emphasized the need for maintaining and expanding existing cooperations, including joint military operations, intelligence sharing, and tactical coordination.
“The Defence Chiefs acknowledged the significant impact of the proliferation of small arms and light weapons on security.
“They also recognized that the widespread accessibility of these weapons contributes to heightened instability and conflict in the region.
“They further agreed to intensify their efforts in curbing the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons, while pledging to collaborate on initiatives aimed at enhancing border security and supporting regional and international efforts to control and reduce the spread of these weapons.
“Consequently, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to resuming and strengthening collaboration, to ensure regional stability and security, reaffirmed that Nigeria is universally known for adherence to its principle of good neighbourliness and would not be used to destabilise Niger or any of Nigeria’s contiguous countries
“Niger affirmed its readiness to resume active participation in security cooperation under the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)
“The Chief of Staff of the Nigerien Armed Forces has also accepted the invitation from the CDS to visit Nigeria, where they will finalize the modalities of the cooperation agreed upon while agreeing on the creation of a Nigerien advisory group to interface with its Nigerian counterpart
“This is with the view to addressing the various issues of mutual concern as well as sustaining lines of communication between both countries.
“It was also agreed that the Advisory Groups should have a joint mandate of developing measures towards strengthening bilateral relationships
“The CDS also paid a courtesy call on the Nigerien Deputy Minister of National Defence General Sani Kache.”