Insecurity in Nigeria: Why Hosting Foreign Military Bases Is Not the Answer

Insecurity in Nigeria: Why Hosting Foreign Military Bases Is Not the Answer

By means of
Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni fnipr

Last week, some highly respected and eminent Nigerians wrote an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu warning against accepting a purported offer from two superpowers – France and the United States of America – to establish military bases in Nigeria. They wrote the letter based on a plausible rumor that these two powerful nations, driven out of Mali and Niger, are desperately trying to gain a foothold in another country in West Africa to house their military bases. Ostensibly, these military bases are veiled attempts to advance and protect their interests couched in the name of helping combat violent extremists such as Boko Haram, ISWAP and Al Qaeda. However, a few days ago, the Honorable Minister of Culture and National Guidance, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, publicly stated that Nigeria will not consider any such offer from these countries to establish military bases in Nigeria. Nevertheless, I commend the patriotic zeal of these eminent Nigerians for drawing our attention to this issue, and the Federal Government for addressing their concerns.
Nigeria’s strategic location, economic strength and regional leadership have undoubtedly positioned the country as a prime candidate for such unprecedented ‘foreign military cooperation’. Following their expulsion from Mali and Niger, Nigeria’s strategic attraction for French and American military bases is not surprising, as numerous factors make Nigeria an attractive location for such installations. Located along the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria provides access to crucial shipping lanes and abundant resources, strengthening its role as a linchpin in regional and global security dynamics.
As Africa’s most populous country and a major economic power, Nigeria exerts significant influence in West Africa and beyond. Establishing military bases in Nigeria would provide an opportunity for these foreign powers to expand their reach across the continent. Moreover, France and the US may be motivated by the desire to counterbalance the growing presence of China and Russia in Africa. Ultimately, the consideration of Nigeria as host to foreign military bases underlines the need for these two countries to gain a strategic foothold in an increasingly important geopolitical arena. Taking advantage of Nigeria’s geopolitical significance and geographical positioning, they seek to consolidate their influence and protect their interests amid increasing global competition and the fight against terrorism. Therefore, the fears and concerns of these eminent Nigerians are quite understandable.
Furthermore, in line with its foreign policy objectives, Nigeria has always opposed such bases in any African country, let alone its territory. However, the reality of current circumstances is very different. The country faces an existential threat from secessionist agitations, Boko Haram terrorist groups, bandits and kidnappers who need cooperation and support from other countries such as its neighbors as well as developed countries such as France, the United Kingdom and the United States . from America and Russia, among others.
In this light, it is important to critically examine the pros and cons of such an agreement to understand whether these fears are justified or not. First we look at the merits of such establishments. Having such military bases with their drone technology, training and other logistical support would undoubtedly enhance our national security and international cooperation and cooperation, especially as Nigeria faces significant security challenges posed by various threats such as banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and terrorism. Therefore, further collaboration with foreign powers such as the US and France could bring advanced military technology, intelligence sharing and training support to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
This collaboration could strengthen Nigeria’s ability to effectively combat these security threats. Such an agreement would also further the strategic partnership. By establishing foreign military bases in Nigeria, it can strengthen strategic partnerships with countries like the US and France. This partnership can contribute to regional stability and security, which is crucial for economic development and political stability in Nigeria and the broader West African region.
The branches would serve as a deterrent to opponents. A foreign military presence can serve as a deterrent to potential aggressors and adversaries, signaling a commitment to defend Nigerian sovereignty and territorial integrity. This deterrence factor can deter hostile actions by non-state actors or neighboring countries that pose a threat to Nigeria’s security. As lofty as the benefits of having military bases in Nigeria are, there are also compelling arguments against the establishment of foreign military bases in the country.
Firstly, it concerns concerns about sovereignty. Hosting foreign military bases raises concerns about the sovereignty and national autonomy of our great nation because allowing foreign military presence on Nigerian soil could jeopardize the country’s ability to make independent decisions on security matters and could lead to undue influence by external powers in domestic affairs. Typically, such countries often demand special treatment for their personnel, a kind of status that is above local laws and even international humanitarian law.
This is especially true because Western countries would always prioritize their interests when there are controversial issues or conflicts of interest. The Obama administration’s flaunting of the Leahy Act against Nigeria based on baseless allegations of human rights abuses, depriving the country of much-needed weapons in the thick of counter-insurgency efforts during previous administrations, was quite instructive. Moreover, they will also use their surveillance technology to their advantage which could be against Nigeria’s national interest.
There is also the matter of regional dynamics, where Nigeria has historically positioned itself as a leader in Africa and has been cautious about allowing foreign military bases on its territory. Some worry that hosting such bases could disrupt regional dynamics and create tensions with neighboring countries, especially if they view the presence of foreign forces as a threat to their sovereignty or interests. This is especially true as Russia gradually gains a foothold in countries run by a military junta in West Africa, such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Nigeria’s northern neighbor Niger. Hosting foreign military bases could be seen as a revival of Cold War-era tensions, with the country becoming a battleground for supremacy among the superpowers.
There is a case for alternative solutions to address Nigeria’s security challenges without resorting to hosting foreign military bases. These solutions could include strengthening domestic security institutions, improving governance and the socio-economic conditions of citizens, and promoting regional cooperation through initiatives such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). Moreover, most security problems border on a lack of good governance. That is why the solutions are also local. Ultimately, any decision on the establishment of foreign military bases must be made with a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks and benefits, and must prioritize the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty and national interests.
There is, therefore, no doubt that Nigeria faces significant security challenges ranging from banditry and kidnappings to the Boko Haram insurgency and secessionist movements, among others. The question of whether to host foreign military bases to counter these threats is a complex one, with strong arguments on both sides. The pressure from these two foreign powers is obvious.
While the appeal of foreign support to combat security threats is understandable, hosting foreign military bases poses a risk to Nigeria’s sovereignty and may not effectively address the root causes of insecurity in the country. Instead, Nigeria should focus on addressing socio-economic factors that contribute to the root causes of our security challenges by strengthening good governance and strengthening its policing system. It should also enhance military capabilities and promote regional cooperation for intelligence sharing and joint operations. By investing in its security, Nigeria can secure its territory, protect its people and chart its course for a more secure future without any foreign military base on its territory.

The writer, Brigadier Sani Kukasheka Usman (rtd) mni fnipr fapra FIOARM fspsp, Sarkin Yakin Kanwan Katsina, is a public affairs commentator, public relations and security consultant. He can be reached through his X handle and Facebook page, skusman.