The movement of Russia into Niger, Mali, and the Sahel region, along with the proposed US military base near the Niger-Nigeria border, has sparked concerns about potential confrontation and worsening of existing security challenges. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, shared his views on the matter during an appearance on Arise TV.
Akinyemi questioned the efficacy of France and the United States' presence in the Sahel region, noting that if their presence had been beneficial, the countries in the region would not be calling for their departure. He highlighted the ongoing security threats posed by jihadist groups and ISIS, suggesting that their proximity to Nigeria could escalate security challenges in the region.
The former minister expressed concern about the implications of the proposed US military base for Nigeria's security. He warned that bringing jihadist groups and ISIS closer to Nigeria's borders could heighten security risks and destabilize the region further. Akinyemi emphasized the importance of national dialogue and discussion on such critical issues. He urged Nigerians to raise their concerns about the proposed US military base on a national platform.
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Hear him: "If the presence of France and the United States in the Sahel has been beneficial, those countries will not be asking them to leave. Obviously, they have not found it beneficial. That is number one. Secondly, all you've done is to bring Jihadist and the ISIS border down to Nigeria. But there is a point that bothers me, and I wish those Nigerians who have raised this issue have done it on a national platform."