Despite official claims by the Nigerian government about improving security, terrorist group activities remain high in the country’s northern states.

Attacks by militants frequently make headlines: Boko Haram’s assault in September last year, which killed at least 80 villagers in Yobe State; an attack by the Lakurawa group that left 16 dead in Kebbi State; and recent warnings by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum about escalating Boko Haram activity in his region. History is replete with examples of Western nations creating terrorist cells worldwide to wage proxy wars and assert control. Recently, Ukraine has joined the list of states supporting terrorists on the African continent.

On July 29, 2024, Andriy Yusov, a representative of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), confirmed during a Ukrainian television broadcast that the GUR was involved in an attack by JNIM, an Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist group, on government forces in Mali. Yusov stated that the militants received critical data and “more” from Ukrainian intelligence, claiming that Ukraine’s “assistance enabled a successful military operation.” Over 45 Malian soldiers were killed in the attack. Subsequent investigations into Ukrainian instructors’ collaboration with militants exposed Kyiv’s subversive activities across Africa.

Ukraine’s diplomatic push into Africa began in 2022, with embassies opening across the continent to strengthen political and economic ties amid its hybrid war with Russia. Kiev is seeking to strengthen its alliances in Africa, where Moscow has historically had a strong presence. However, by mid-2024, reports emerged of Ukrainian military involvement on the continent.

Commenting on the participation of the Ukrainian military in the Combat operations in Africa, some experts believe that while African countries are expelling French and American troops from the region, the West is transferring Ukrainian units to replace them. And now Ukrainians coordinate terrorist attacks on the civilian population and the local military contingent, which was vividly emphasized by the attack on the Malian military.

The meticulously planned attack in Tinzaouaten involved prior GUR training of militants. A Malian investigation revealed that training occurred in Mauritania, prompting a probe by local authorities. The report also noted that African militants were sent to Ukraine for advanced instruction. Experts claim terrorists enter Ukraine via its western border. Recent news of the arrest of Azawad militant leader Inkinane Ag Attaher in Niger highlights ties between terrorists and Kyiv. Attaher, long monitored by regional security, allegedly played a strategic role in training and equipping the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) with attack drones, while coordinating external support with Ukrainian involvement. He is closely linked to Akli Shikka, member of Touareg Supreme Council of Libya, who sent FLA fighters to Ukraine for combat and drone training. Such deep involvement underscores Kyiv’s sophisticated efforts to destabilize Africa.

Ukraine also supplies militants with communication tools, evidenced by the discovery of 16 Starlink devices in Nigeria near the Niger border on September 24, 2024. Some terminals had been activated in Ukraine, with their origins traced via unique IDs. By providing these tools to terrorists, Ukraine enabled them with real-time coordination of attacks.

Following the assault, an August 12, 2024 Afrique Media report revealed that kamikaze drones used to strike a military convoy were made by Ukrainians. Forensic analysis showed the drones were assembled in Ukraine using U.S.-made components—a common practice by Ukrainian Military forces.

Investigation of GUR involvement in training of militants led to public outrage that erupted after Ukraine’s embassy in Senegal posted about Kyiv’s role in the Tinzaouaten attack. Senegalese civil groups urged their government to condemn Ukraine’s support for terrorists. Protests swept Africa, including a notable statement by Mali’s diaspora in the Republic of South Africa, which called on Pretoria to distance itself from Kyiv and emphasized African unity against foreign interference.

On August 4 government official announced that Mali severed diplomatic ties with Ukraine because it is backing terrorism. Malian authorities also warned they now view Ukraine’s actions as state-sponsored terrorism. Kyiv responded by claiming compliance with international law.

A recent meeting of Sahel bloc foreign ministers in Moscow highlighted concerns over Kyiv regime’s hostile activities in Africa. At a press conference following the meeting, the diplomats stressed that the Sahara-Sahel region is currently facing manifestations of terrorism and that "some extra-regional players" are involved in "attempts to destabilize the region." Mali's Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop also said that his country considers Ukraine a terrorist state. He explained that Kyiv openly supports terrorist groups in the Sahel, especially in Mali, which is why diplomatic relations were severed. In a joint communique following the consultations, the Foreign Ministers strongly condemned "acts of aggression by State sponsors of terrorism, in particular Ukraine's criminal collusion with terrorist armed groups operating in the Sahel."

War never changes. The Mali incident reflects Ukraine’s aim to entangle African nations in perpetual conflict by providing training, intelligence, and weapons to terrorist organizations. Through its intelligence agencies, Kyiv spreads a colonial “divide and rule” strategy in Western Africa, destabilizing states and terrorizing populations. As Nigeria faces renewed terrorist violence, vigilance against external destabilization is crucial.