LAGOS, Nigeria – The Nigerian military now faces a heavier workload after Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Chief of Air Staff announced during a recent briefing.
The Chief of Air Staff stressed that Nigeria must now assume additional regional security responsibilities that the three nations previously shared. “Their exit from ECOWAS shifts the burden squarely onto our shoulders,” he stated. He warned that the change could strain military resources and affect operational readiness.
ECOWAS has long served as the cornerstone for regional cooperation on security and economic matters. With the withdrawal of these member states, experts say the bloc’s ability to coordinate on issues such as counter-terrorism, border security, and crisis response may weaken. Analysts believe that Nigeria’s military, now in a more prominent role, will have to adapt its strategies to fill the gap.
Military strategists and regional security experts are calling for a reassessment of defense protocols and urging the government to boost funding for the armed forces. They caution that without timely adjustments, the added responsibilities could compromise Nigeria’s capacity to manage both domestic and regional security challenges.
In response, the Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability. However, details on potential budget increases or strategic reforms remain forthcoming as the situation evolves. The international community watches closely, aware that these developments could reshape the security dynamics of West Africa.
