US, Russian forces encircling Nigeria | President challenged by leaders of Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad | No link between our visit to US and quest for base – Govs

Foreign policy and security experts are increasingly raising concerns that military rulers in Niger Republic, Burkina Faso, Mali and the newly elected president in Chad are not only succeeding in reshaping regional security, but also driving a wedge between the Nigerian government and its traditional Western allies on one hand, and on the other between President Bola Tinubu and opinion leaders in Northern Nigeria.

And in more hushed up tones, there is discontent within Nigeria’s military establishment and a handful of retired generals warning that the country should not have to bear the brunt for decisions that are being made in Bamako or Niamey.

Developing events within the West African countries led by military leaders, including Abdourahmane Tchiani of Niger, Assumi Goita of Mali, Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso and Mahamat Idris Debs of Chad, have seen them expelling military contingents from France and the United States of America and replacing them with Russian military advisers.

Most recently, it had been Niger Republic and Chad that had cut military ties with the United States though its forces are yet to leave either country.

The city of Agadez in Niger is host to a US air base. The base is used for manned and unmanned surveillance flights and other operations. The US reportedly spent about $100 million to build the base only for the Africa Corp, formerly Magna Group of the Russian military to be preparing to move in.