As Ankara shifts its focus on Africa, reports of Turkey expected to deploy troops to train Niger’s military to counter militant groups has surfaced. Since 2020, Turkey has been seeking a close security partnership with Niger. The two nations have signed a military training and cooperation agreement.
In July 2023, Niger’s military toppled the civilian government, pledging to counter terrorism and other security threats. Security deals with western allies were revoked, and Niger looked towards other alliances such as Turkey and Russia.
In July 2025, Turkey and Niger signed a military financial cooperation agreement.
It may appear that the Russian support for Niger was not adequate to meet Niger’s defence needs, hence it can be comprehended for Niger’s need to diversify in terms of international relations.
Additionally, Ankara’s growing interest in the Sahel region and independent foreign policy makes it suitable partner to Niger. Given the recent developments in Syria and Iraq, the choice to redeploy forces to Africa came easily for Turkey. Ankara has tried a new balancing policy in Syria with its outreach to Kurdish groups.
According to reports, a small number of Turkish commandos and special forces, who in the past served and gained experience in Syria and Iraq, will be deployed to Niger. These officers will assist the military with training in counter terrorism to combat terror outfits like Islamic State and al-Qaeda. It is anticipated that four battalions will train and provide advisory support to Niger while the Turkish forces will not directly engage in the combat.
Since the troops will be present in a visiting capacity, the deployment will not require Turkish parliamentary approval.
In May 2025, Niger cancelled intelligence-sharing agreement with both Turkey and Russia, stating “ineffectiveness in surveillance operations, particularly in telephone interception”. However, the government has continued to build its military ties with Turkey.
The recent military financial cooperation deal with Turkey, will permit Niger to acquire modern weapons – including military drones, ammunition and other equipment and receive training and technical support for its army.
„This agreement is crucial for strengthening Niger’s army, ensuring the regime’s stability, and countering western influence“ stated Ibrahim Bachir Abdoulaye, a researcher.
The exact contents of the agreement are still kept discreet; however it is certain that it permits that the presence of Turkish troops in Niger.
Over the past four years, Turkey has been trying to exert its influence in Africa. It has expanded its presence in the Sahel. Apart from selling drones, Hurkus trainer aircraft, and various defence goods, Ankara has provided training and advisory services to nations such as Burkina Faso and Mali.
Additionally, Turkey has managed to sustain relations with Niger’s previous civilian government as well as its current military regime. It may be expected that Turkey and Niger may look for a closer cooperation in strategic sectors such as oil and uranium.
Furthermore, it is imperative for Turkey to strengthen its Mediterranean borders from emerging security threats from Sahel, and especially Niger. This new arrangement will provide Turkey an advantage strategically.
More on the Turkey’s policies in the region and beyond:
Ankara seeks to counter Tel Aviv by militarily reinforcing Syria: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/ankara-seeks-deterrence-against-tel-aviv-by-militarily-reinforcing-syria/
The growth of the Arab-Islamic NATO: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/arab-islamic-nato/
The Pakistan-Turkey strategic talks and cooperation were discussed here: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/pakistan-turkey-strategic-talks/
Turkey’s extremely close ally, Azerbaijan, fortified their ties with Pakistan on a round of bilateral political consultations: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/pakistan-and-azerbaijan-fortify-their-ties/
Washington’s use of Islamic terrorism as a tool for extending the American policy in the region: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/donald-trump-and-islamic-terrorism/
Turkey reached an agreement with Egypt for joint production of drones in Cairo: https://www.thestrategicperspective.org/turkey-egypt-agreement-to-jointly-produce-vtol-drones-in-cairo/
