The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has raised alarm over the growing influence of Al-Qaeda-affiliated extremist groups in Nigeria, West Africa, and the broader Sahel region, warning that weak governance structures and porous borders are enabling their expansion.
Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), made the remarks at a meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), and Commandants at NAF headquarters in Abuja.
He stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt a more comprehensive approach to counter asymmetric warfare, including the use of advanced technology and integrated security strategies.
Abubakar pointed out that extremist groups were exploiting gaps in governance, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin, where unchecked borders had allowed terrorist elements to sustain their operations.
He highlighted the role of modern warfare tactics—such as drone technology, artificial intelligence, and social media manipulation—in shaping the security landscape.
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The Air Force Chief underscored a major security incident in 2024 when Boko Haram terrorists used drones carrying locally fabricated grenades in a kamikaze attack on troops in Wajiroko, Damboa Local Government Area.
He described the development as a clear indication of terrorist efforts to enhance their drone warfare capabilities.
“To counter these emerging threats, we must implement a comprehensive and integrated counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system to protect our troops and air assets,” Abubakar stated.
The federal government has also acknowledged that porous borders and ungoverned spaces are worsening security threats in the region.
Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), warned that terrorist groups are now attempting to extend their reach toward coastal West African nations, including Benin Republic.
Speaking at a regional dialogue on security, organized in collaboration with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre (KAIPTC) in Abuja, Laka emphasized the need for stronger cooperation among West African nations.
“As Accra Initiative member countries face increased threats, a stronger security mechanism has become more crucial than ever “No single country can combat this menace alone, as terrorism transcends national borders”, Laka said.
Richard Gyane, Commandant of KAIPTC, painted a grim picture of the Sahel’s deteriorating security situation.
He cited the 2023 Global Terrorism Index, which identified the region as the epicenter of global terrorism.
“In 2007, the Sahel accounted for just 1% of global terrorism-related deaths. By 2023, this figure skyrocketed to 43%,” Gyane revealed.
He warned that violent extremist groups were expanding from Mali and Burkina Faso into Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Togo, with concerns that Ghana could be next.
Security experts at the dialogue stressed the importance of intelligence-sharing, regional cooperation, and reducing reliance on external funding to strengthen security efforts.
Melody Azinim, UNDP Peace and Governance Analyst, urged African nations to “look inward” in funding their own peace and development initiatives.
As threats continue to evolve, security experts are calling on Nigeria’s security agencies to enhance their capabilities, strengthen border security to curb the spread of terrorism in the region.
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