How Geopolitics Impact Nigeria’s Security - Air Chief

Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Hasan Abubakar, has stressed that the country’s security challenges are deeply intertwined with global developments. Speaking in Abuja at the First Quarter Meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding, and Commanders, Mr Abubakar, an air marshall, highlighted the fluid nature of international security, marked by geopolitical tensions and shifting alliances.

“We are not exempt from these dynamics, as our experience has shown that defence cooperation between Nigeria and the United States is often influenced by political considerations. Hence, we must proactively plan to mitigate any likely impact on the ongoing AH1-Z Helicopter procurement and other training courses that might be conducted in the US,”he said.

Mr Abubakar underscored the effect of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine on global defence strategies, noting an increased focus on missile technology, air defence systems, drone warfare, and cyber capabilities.

“Meanwhile, in Europe, the ongoing war in Ukraine continues to influence global defence strategies, with nations prioritising missile technologies, air defence systems, drone warfare, and cyber capabilities over more traditional warfare methods. This is a phenomenon we must study carefully as an air force and adapt quickly through innovation as we enhance our operational capabilities, going forward,”he added.

He also described the Middle East as “highly unstable,” citing the aftermath of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, as well as tensions in Syria:

“Similarly, the Middle East remains highly unstable as a result of uncertainties in Syria and the aftermath of the conflict between Israel and Hamas as well as its neighbours. A key lesson from these conflicts is the rise in the use of the electromagnetic spectrum, artificial intelligence, drone warfare, and the manipulation of social media in shaping war narratives.”

On the domestic front, Mr Abubakar praised the progress made against insurgency in the North-east and North-west, attributed to enhanced synergy between the Nigerian Air Force and ground forces:

“We must sustain this momentum, as jointly planned and executed operations have consistently delivered positive results. However, despite our heightened efforts, the highly volatile, uncertain and complex security situation in the Sahel region continues to feed insecurity in Nigeria, as we have seen in the emergence of the Lakurawa group in the North-West. Similarly, in the North-east, recent high-profile attacks by Boko Haram on land forces’ locations suggest a renewed effort for the group to resurge.”

He called on senior officers to evaluate the briefs from 2024 activities and shape effective strategies for 2025, emphasizing that leadership demands foresight and tangible results.