In the face of resistance from ECOWAS, the bloc of West African states, the mutinous soldiers have triggered sanctions on Niger. The situation has raised concerns about the potential consequences for Nigerian states sharing a border with the crisis-hit Niger Republic.
As the tension unfolds, let's take a closer look at the Nigerian states that share a border with Niger:
1) Sokoto:
Sokoto state is situated in the extreme northwest of Nigeria, along the national border with the Republic of Niger. The city of Sokoto is a significant seat of Islamic learning and was once the seat of the Sokoto Caliphate. The Sultan, who leads the caliphate, holds considerable influence as the spiritual leader of Nigerian Muslims. The state is predominantly Muslim and has an estimated population of over 4.2 million.
2) Kebbi:
Located in the northwest region, Kebbi state shares borders with Sokoto and Zamfara states to the east and north, respectively. To the south, it borders Niger state, while its western border forms part of the national borders with Benin Republic and Niger. Kebbi is the 10th largest state in Nigeria in terms of area and has an estimated population of about 4.4 million as of 2016.
3) Katsina:
Katsina is a state in the northwestern geopolitical zone of Nigeria. It shares borders with Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, and Jigawa states. The state capital, also named Katsina, is fondly called the "Home of Hospitality," and both the capital and the town of Daura are known for their rich Islamic culture and heritage.
4) Zamfara:
Situated in northwestern Nigeria, Zamfara's capital is Gusau, and its current governor is Dauda Lawal. Until 1996, it was part of Sokoto state before becoming an independent state. Zamfara shares a border with Niger Republic to the northwest.
5) Jigawa:
Jigawa, located in the northwest region, shares a border with Nigeria's national border with the Republic of Niger. It became a state on August 27, 1991, during the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
6) Yobe:
Yobe, located in northeastern Nigeria, was carved out of Borno state on August 27, 1991. It is primarily an agricultural state, and its capital is Damaturu, with the largest city being Potiskum.
7) Borno:
Borno, in the northeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria, shares borders with Yobe to the west, Gombe to the southwest, and Adamawa to the south. Its eastern border forms part of the national border with Cameroon, while the northern and northeastern borders form the national border with Niger and Chad, respectively.
