A senator representing Oyo State has called for an urgent pan-African military coalition to tackle Nigeria's persistent insurgency crisis, warning that unilateral responses have failed to contain the threat.
Olawepo-Hashim addressed reporters outside the National Assembly on Tuesday, presenting what he described as a comprehensive framework for regional cooperation. His proposal centers on joint military operations, intelligence sharing, and coordinated border security across West African nations.
"We cannot solve this problem alone," Olawepo-Hashim stated. "Insurgents move freely across borders. Our security forces must be able to do the same."
A Call for Continental Backing
The senator argued that Nigeria's insurgency, predominantly driven by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, requires continental intervention rather than piecemeal national efforts. He pointed to the Lake Chad Basin Commission as a model but said it lacked the teeth and resources needed for decisive action.
Security analysts estimate that attacks have increased by 23 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2024. Communities in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states continue to bear the brunt of the violence, with entire villages abandoned due to repeated raids.
Speaking on Channels Television's morning program, Olawepo-Hashim outlined three core pillars of his proposal: real-time intelligence sharing between Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon; a jointly funded rapid response force stationed at strategic border points; and civilian protection protocols developed with input from affected communities.
Why Oyo State Citizens Should Care
While insurgency is often associated with the northeast, Olawepo-Hashim warned that the economic fallout spreads across the entire country. He cited figures from the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics showing that insecurity has contributed to a 34 percent rise in food prices in northern markets, which ripple through supply chains reaching Oyo State.
"Displaced farmers cannot grow crops. Markets close. Prices rise, and someone in Ibadan pays more for garri and maize," he explained. "This is not just a northern problem. It is a Nigerian problem."
The senator also referenced the October 2024 attacks on the University of Jos, which prompted evacuations and campus closures, as evidence that no region remains immune from the spillover effects of unchecked violence.
What Regional Partners Would Contribute
According to Olawepo-Hashim's framework, Chad would provide helicopter support for rapid deployment, Niger would offer desert patrol capabilities, and Cameroon would strengthen surveillance along its border with Nigeria. Nigeria would serve as the operational hub, supplying the bulk of ground troops and logistics infrastructure.
- Chad: helicopter units and aerial reconnaissance
- Niger: desert warfare expertise and border patrols
- Cameroon: intelligence on cross-border movement
- Nigeria: command structure, ground forces, and funding
The African Union would be invited to oversee the arrangement and provide diplomatic cover, reducing the risk of any single nation being accused of overstepping its borders.
International Dimensions and Funding
Olawepo-Hashim acknowledged that sustainable operations would require external funding. He proposed a joint request to the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission, targeting an initial allocation of $450 million to cover operational costs for the first eighteen months.
The senator noted that without guaranteed financing, previous regional agreements have collapsed within months. "We had the Mn Deck agreement in 2021. It worked for six months, then funding dried up and everything fell apart," he said. "We cannot repeat that mistake."
Britain and France have already expressed interest in supporting counter-insurgency efforts in the Sahel, and Olawepo-Hashim believes their involvement could provide additional technical capabilities and oversight.
Political Resistance and Skepticism
Not all senators have embraced the proposal. Some colleagues have questioned whether pooling command authority with neighboring countries would compromise Nigerian sovereignty or dilute accountability when operations go wrong.
The Minister of Defence has not publicly responded to the proposal, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment when approached by journalists on Wednesday.
Critics within the National Assembly argue that the real problem is not lack of cooperation but poor equipment and morale within Nigeria's own armed forces. One senator, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters that before seeking foreign partnerships, the government should address soldiers' unpaid allowances and outdated vehicles.
Next Steps and Timeline
Olawepo-Hashim said he will formally present the framework to the Senate Committee on Defence next month. If approved, the committee would then engage the Ministry of Defence and the National Security Adviser before opening negotiations with regional governments.
The senator aims to have a memorandum of understanding signed by August, with joint patrols potentially beginning before the end of the year. However, observers say the timeline is optimistic given the bureaucratic complexity involved in coordinating four separate national parliaments.
Citizens in Oyo State and across Nigeria should watch whether the Senate committee endorses the proposal and whether the federal government allocates funds in the upcoming supplementary budget. The outcome will determine whether this initiative remains a speech or becomes actual policy.
Critics within the National Assembly argue that the real problem is not lack of cooperation but poor equipment and morale within Nigeria's own armed forces. International Dimensions and Funding Olawepo-Hashim acknowledged that sustainable operations would require external funding.
