The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, yesterday said the withdrawals of troops from the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), 2000 Multi-National Joint Task Force Chadian troops, from Mali and Niger Republic, could aggravate the security challenges in the Sahel Region, causing the influx of more weapons and terrorists into Nigeria.
He also noted that the Russia-Ukraine War has constrained NAF’s effort in sourcing aircraft spares, and maintenance of the Mi-series helicopters that are crucial in its counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
The UN Security Council, on 30 June 2023 unanimously adopted resolution 2690 effectively terminating MINUSMA’s previous mandate and requesting the transfer of its tasks as well as the safe and orderly drawdown and withdrawal of the Mission by 31 December 2023, to be followed by a liquidation period.
Addressing Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, Directors, and the entire senior leadership cadre of the Nigerian Air Force, during a meeting at NAF Headquarters in Abuja, Abubakar, said the above situation militates against the nation’s counterinsurgency efforts.
Abubakar also noted that the Russian-Ukraine war created a significant economic disruption that negatively affected world food prices and led to higher costs of living, especially in vulnerable economies such as Nigeria.
He said, “Today is indeed historic as it marks our one-year milestone in office. One year ago, I reiterated that the Nigerian Air Force alongside sister services remained committed to reinvigorating our fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other security threats facing our dear Nation.
“All these threats have global and regional perspectives and attendant impacts on Nigeria’s national security. Hence the implications of the broader strategic external security outlook must never be overlooked.
“For instance, the Russian-Ukraine war created a significant economic disruption that negatively affected world food prices and led to higher costs of living, especially in vulnerable economies such as Nigeria.
“These dire economic situations fuel insecurity. For the Nigerian Air Force, the Russia-Ukraine War has constrained our sourcing of aircraft spares and maintenance of the Mi-series helicopters that are crucial in our counter-terrorism/counter-
“Furthermore, examining the Hamas attacks against Israel on 7 Oct 23 and the sporadic attacks by the Houthi rebels on shipping lines through the Red Sea show the devastating impact of non-state actors’ access to emerging technologies such as autonomous drones, satellite communications, and Artificial intelligence. We should thus be concerned that the actions of these non-state actors would be copied and replicated by other insurgents and terrorists in Nigeria. There is also the impact of great power competition.”
The Air Chief noted that the USA, China, and Russia, have been actively involved in Africa seeking to expand their spheres of influence and secure strategic interests.
He said that Russia has expanded its influence beyond its near abroad through military interventions and the deployment of private military contractors in the Central African Republic, Libya, Burkina Faso, Mali, and recently Niger.
“As Nigeria faces security challenges, the USA has provided support for the acquisition of aircraft and associated munitions for counterterrorism operations. Likewise, the Nigerian Air Force has acquired aircraft and munitions from China and Russia and continues to engage in military cooperation. Consequently, balancing these relationships is crucial for Nigeria’s security interests,” he said.
He added that the upsurge in coup de ’tat and the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have negative impacts on collective regional security architecture.
