Author: James Okafor
James Okafor
James Okafor is a defence and security analyst with over 14 years of experience covering sub-Saharan Africa's military affairs, peacekeeping operations, and defence procurement. A former strategic communications consultant for regional security bodies, he has reported from conflict zones across the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes region. His analysis has been cited by think tanks including the African Centre for the Study of the United States (ACSUS) and various NATO-affiliated research institutions. James holds an MA in International Security Studies from the University of Pretoria and a BA in Political Science from the University of Lagos. He specialises in drone warfare, naval modernisation, arms trade dynamics, and the growing role of private military contractors on the African continent.
As China has expanded its investment in mineral mining projects on the continent, allegations of environmental and human rights abuses have risen at an alarming rate.…
Over the last two years, Somalia’s al-Shabaab terrorists have established a relationship with Houthi rebels in Yemen — one that could alter the decades-long battle between…
An Interpol-coordinated border security operation in West Africa led to 62 arrests and the seizure of ammunition, explosives, firearms, drugs, counterfeit medicines and stolen vehicles. Operation…
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama commissioned officer cadets into the Ghana Armed Forces during a January 30, 2026, ceremony at Ranger Baba Parade Square, Whistler Barracks,…
As insurgencies multiply in Africa, militaries are investing in special operations forces (SOF). These highly trained, disciplined operators take on asymmetric threats using speed, stealth and…
Two years after canceling a peace agreement with Tuareg separatists, Mali’s ruling junta is no closer to restoring security to the country, according to analysts. Instead,…
Annual cocaine seizures in West Africa have surged from two metric tons in 2018 to more than 30 metric tons in 2025, according to a report…
Nigeria’s northern states are experiencing a surge in terrorism spreading from the Sahel as strained diplomatic relations with Niger’s ruling junta complicates cross-border security. Tensions between…
The sound of gunfire and explosions began about 1 a.m. on August 29, setting off a night of intense fighting at Air Base 101, a military…
Paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters continue to defect and join the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), raising questions as to whether their movements are due to…