By Joseph Omokaro

Terrorism has left an indelible mark on Nigeria and the broader West African region, with Boko Haram’s insurgency alone responsible for 15,889 deaths over the past 16 years. Of these casualties, 12,329 were civilians accounting for nearly 78% , a grim reflection of the ruthless nature of the group’s operations. Beyond Boko Haram, insecurity-related crises in Nigeria have claimed 107,479 lives during this period, with the militant group directly responsible for 15% of those deaths. Boko Haram’s violence has extended beyond Nigeria’s borders, affecting Chad, Niger, and Cameroon, and fueling regional instability.

However, Boko Haram is not the only extremist force threatening West Africa. Al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) has intensified its attacks in Mali, particularly along the Mauritanian border. JNIM fighters have forced hundreds of villagers to flee, burned homes, and left displaced civilians without food or water. Roadblocks imposed by militants in key areas such as Léré and Nampala have cut off essential supplies, further deepening the humanitarian crisis. Malian forces have attempted to intervene, but their efforts have been met with coordinated ambushes. Meanwhile, ISIS, operating under its West African and Sahel branches, has expanded its influence, engaging in violent confrontations with rival factions and government forces alike.

A disturbing trend has also emerged concerning the alleged misuse of international aid. Recently, accusations surfaced that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have financed terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda, and ISIS. This has sparked outrage, particularly in Nigeria, where communities have borne the brunt of extremist violence. The Malian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong condemnation on February 24, denouncing the use of Western subsidies for destabilizing the region. The Malian government has refused to sign new agreements with USAID, citing concerns over national sovereignty and the need for legal action against those funneling international aid to terrorists. This controversy has further fueled mistrust of foreign interventions in the Sahel.

Ghana, while not yet experiencing large-scale jihadist violence, is also facing an escalating threat. Jihadist recruiters, particularly from ISIS and JNIM, have increasingly targeted impoverished northern communities, exploiting economic hardships to lure new fighters into their ranks. Given Burkina Faso’s ongoing struggle against groups like JNIM and the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISGS), analysts warn that Ghana may soon become a new battleground in the region’s growing crisis. Reports from DW and other sources highlight the urgent need for cross border cooperation to prevent jihadist expansion.

As terrorism intensifies across West Africa, the failure of organizations like ECOWAS to implement effective countermeasures has allowed insurgencies to flourish. However, an alternative approach is gaining traction. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, has taken a proactive stance in addressing the threat. By pooling resources, conducting joint military operations, and reducing reliance on external forces, AES countries have demonstrated that regional cooperation can yield better results than prolonged foreign military interventions. Unlike France’s decade-long presence in the Sahel, which failed to bring stability, AES-led efforts have begun making headway in countering terrorism.

The path forward for West Africa lies in unity. The region can no longer afford fragmented responses to an evolving and borderless extremist threat. By embracing the cooperative model pioneered by the Sahel Alliance and reinforced by AES countries, West Africa has a chance to reclaim its stability. Only through shared intelligence, joint security operations, and decisive leadership can the region hope to break free from the cycle of violence. The stakes are high, but so too is the potential for a future defined by security, resilience, and prosperity.

Omokaro, a commentator on foreign affairs, wrote from Lagos.