Nigeria’s long-standing battle against various terrorist and extremist groups has received a significant boost with enhanced counter-terrorism support from a coalition of global powers, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, among others.
This renewed international commitment signals a unified global front aimed at stabilizing Nigeria and the wider West African region against the escalating threats posed by groups like Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa (ISIS-WA).
Deepening Security Cooperation
The collaborative efforts go beyond simple aid, focusing on comprehensive, multi-faceted support:
- Military Training and Equipment: The United States remains a key security partner, providing significant International Military Education and Training (IMET) allocations and Foreign Military Financing (FMF).
Noteworthy is the previous sale of A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, which the Nigerian Air Force utilizes extensively to restrict the movement and large-scale attacks of terrorist groups in the Northeast.
US programs also focus on training the Nigerian Armed Forces (AFN) in developing targeting processes compliant with International Humanitarian Law.
- Intelligence and Advisory Support: Both the UK and France contribute essential intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
France, in particular, leverages its regional presence to support the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF)—a regional coalition of forces from Nigeria and neighboring countries—through intelligence and operational cooperation from its base in N’Djamena, Chad.
- Capacity Building: The UK has significantly expanded its training and tactical assistance for Nigerian Armed Forces units deployed on counter-insurgency operations. This includes technical expertise to help operationalize a Regional Intelligence Fusion Unit, a joint effort with the US and France.
Addressing Root Causes and Justice
The international support is not solely focused on kinetic military action; it also addresses the non-kinetic and judicial aspects of the fight against terrorism:
- Rule of Law and Justice: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with funding from partners like the US, is actively involved in enhancing Nigeria’s criminal justice capacity.
This involves providing specialized assistance, training for law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges, and technical support to ensure the effective investigation, prosecution, and adjudication of terrorism cases in compliance with the rule of law.
- Countering Terrorism Financing (CTF): Nigeria continues to work closely with international bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and is a member of the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).
Recent joint operations, like the INTERPOL and AFRIPOL-coordinated ‘Operation Catalyst,’ highlight the concerted effort to identify and disrupt financial flows and schemes connected to terrorism financing across the African continent.
A Regional and Global Commitment
Nigeria’s active participation in regional and global security platforms underscores its commitment to the collective effort:
- Nigeria is a member of the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP), the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), and is a key driver of the MNJTF.
This allows for crucial coordination with neighboring countries like Chad, Cameroon, Benin, and Niger.
- In the political sphere, Nigeria has hosted high-level counter-terrorism meetings under the auspices of the UN, demonstrating its leadership in shaping Africa-led and Africa-owned solutions to regional security challenges.
The deepening commitment from international allies provides Nigeria with crucial resources, training, and strategic intelligence, reinforcing the nation’s capacity to restore stability and bring justice to victims.
This cooperative effort highlights the global recognition that security in West Africa is inextricably linked to international peace and stability.
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