Nigerian Air Force Warns of Growing Al-Qaeda Influence in the Sahel Region

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has raised concerns about the expanding reach of Al-Qaeda-linked extremist groups in Nigeria, across West Africa, and throughout the Sahel region, attributing their rise to weak governance structures and porous borders.

Hasan Abubakar, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), delivered this warning at a meeting with Branch Chiefs, Air Officers Commanding (AOCs), and Commandants at NAF headquarters in Abuja. He emphasized the need for a more comprehensive strategy to combat asymmetric warfare, including advanced technology and coordinated security measures.

Abubakar highlighted how extremist groups exploit governance gaps, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin, where lax border controls have enabled terrorist elements to operate with relative ease. He noted the growing use of drone technology, artificial intelligence, and social media manipulation in modern warfare, citing a significant incident in 2024:

“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 also acknowledged the role of unguarded borders in exacerbating regional security issues. Adamu Laka, National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), cautioned that terrorist groups are extending their reach toward coastal West African nations, including Benin Republic. Speaking at a regional security dialogue organized with the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Centre (KAIPTC) in Abuja, Laka underscored the urgency of collective action:

“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 dire picture of the Sahel’s security crisis, referencing the 2023 Global Terrorism Index, which identified the region as the world’s terrorism epicenter. He noted that in 2007, the Sahel accounted for just 1% of global terrorism-related deaths, a figure that had surged to 43% by 2023.

Security experts at the dialogue called for enhanced intelligence-sharing, regional cooperation, and a reduced dependence on external financing. Melody Azinim, a Peace and Governance Analyst with the UNDP, urged African nations to “look inward” when funding peace and development efforts.

As threats evolve, experts are urging Nigerian security agencies to fortify their capabilities and tighten border security to curb the spread of terrorism across the region.