Nigeria’s Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, expressed concern over the disruption of existing security frameworks following the withdrawal of the Alliance of Sahel States from ECOWAS.
He also highlighted that Chad’s plan to pull out of the Multinational Joint Task Force will impact the joint security force’s ability to carry out operations.
Speaking at a review meeting with Field Commanders in Abuja, Air Marshal Abubakar pointed out the growing threat of terrorists using drones equipped with locally made grenades in kamikaze-style attacks, as seen in last year’s assault on troops in Damboa. This, he said, underscores the increasing efforts by terrorists to proliferate drone attack technology.
The CAS stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive and integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle system to protect both troops and air assets.
On January 29, 2025, ECOWAS acknowledged the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, following the expiration of their one-year notice period.
Despite this, in a show of regional solidarity, ECOWAS requested its member states to continue recognizing the national passports of these countries bearing the ECOWAS logo until further notice.
The departure of these three countries has caused a rift in the region, leaving ECOWAS with an uncertain future. The three junta-led nations formally notified ECOWAS of their intention to withdraw in January 2024, citing the organization’s excessive reliance on France.
As a result, Paris has become the common enemy of these juntas, which now prefer alliances with countries like Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
ECOWAS required a year’s notice for the departure to be effective, which was due on Wednesday. The three Sahelian nations have since formed a new confederation known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).