Nigeria and Niger Strengthen Military Cooperation

General Christopher Musa, Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, met with his Nigerien counterpart, General Moussa Salaou Barmou, to strengthen military cooperation and enhance security ties between Nigeria and Niger. This meeting comes amid thawing relations following a military coup in Niger in July 2023, which led to the country's expulsion from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Both leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration in addressing mutual security threats, particularly the proliferation of small arms and the activities of terrorist groups in the Sahel region. They agreed to intensify efforts to curb illegal arms flows and enhance border security, reaffirming their commitment to joint military operations and intelligence sharing. Musa's visit may also signal a push for Niger's reintegration into ECOWAS, reflecting Nigeria's ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region. The visit is seen as a step towards reconciling tensions and fostering regional cooperation for improved security.