Insecurity in Africa is fundamentally driven by several deep-seated issues. Weak governance is a significant factor in the ongoing conflict and instability plaguing African nations. Adeleke explained that ‘the institution that is currently in Nigeria is fragile’. Additionally, the porous borders across West Africa facilitate the movement of terrorist groups and illicit goods, exacerbating the security situation. 

On 11 July 2024, a jailbreak occurred in Niger at Koutoukale prison, which houses numerous jihadist insurgents who have targeted the West African nation for years. Koutoukale prison is located in the Tillaberi region, a vast and unstable border area linking Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso. The region is prone to attacks by rebels with connections to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and al-Qaeda. Adeleke, commenting on the jailbreak, noted that ‘there are enablers inside and outside these [government] institutions, which indicates severe systemic weaknesses, and escaped jihadists pose a significant threat​ to neighboring countries like Niger and Chad’. It goes without saying that incidents like this reveal the delicate and deteriorating security situation in the Sahel region and West Africa. 

While the temptation to allow a US military base in Nigeria may stem from the aforesaid security concerns, the long-term consequences of such a decision could be detrimental to Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability. The historical and operational context of foreign military bases in Africa reveals a pattern of neo-colonial influence, economic disruption, and potential civil unrest. The presence of a US military base in Nigeria could also inflame anti-Western sentiments, lead to civilian casualties, and create dependencies that could compromise Nigeria’s ability to govern and secure itself independently. 

Adeleke agrees that situating a US military base in Nigeria or elsewhere in Africa is not a panacea for the region’s security problems, citing the historical and operational contexts of the French in its former colonies. Instead, he advocates for using soft power and strategic partnerships to mitigate security risks in the Sahel region. The retired US major further explained that the US military typically creates its own supply chains, which can disrupt local systems. This self-sufficient approach may bypass local economies and create unsustainable dependencies, potentially fostering resentment among local populations who may view it as economic exclusion or neo-colonialism. He emphasized that the US military’s need to control its supply chain in a ‘contested environment’ like Africa makes establishing a base problematic. The complex geopolitical landscape, with multiple foreign interests, complicates ensuring a seamless and secure supply line. 

If we look deeper, there is a more sustainable solution that could mitigate Africa’s security challenges. Adeleke stressed the importance of ‘more training and more capacity building assistance’ for African security forces rather than establishing permanent foreign military bases. Intensifying the training to enhance the capabilities of local forces through joint programs and continuous support would be more effective in the long term. 

By rejecting the establishment of a US military base, Nigeria can reaffirm its commitment to African autonomy and leadership. Strengthening domestic security institutions, investing in economic development and fostering regional alliances are the paths to a secure and self-reliant Nigeria. In the long run, these efforts will enable Nigeria to not only secure its borders but also lead the continent in establishing peace and stability in the Sahel region without external military dependence⎈