COTONOU, Benin — Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has called for closer security cooperation between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to effectively tackle terrorism, dismantle cross-border criminal networks and restore stability across West Africa.
Leah Katung-Babatunde, SA(Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence disclosed this in a Statement made available to TV360 on Tuesday
According to the Statement, General Musa made the call on Tuesday upon his arrival in Cotonou for a three-day working visit aimed at harmonising regional defence strategies and strengthening collective efforts against insurgency and insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea.
The minister, who was received at Cotonou International Airport by Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan, stressed that the region’s evolving security challenges require a coordinated and inclusive approach.
According to him, stronger collaboration between ECOWAS and AES is essential to prevent insurgent spillover across land borders and enhance maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea.
Responding, Agonkan commended Nigeria for its leadership role in promoting peace and stability in the sub-region, noting the country’s timely interventions in support of democratic governance. He also praised the performance of the Nigerian Army contingent during Benin’s National Day parade on August 1, describing Nigeria as an indispensable partner in the fight against transnational crime.
As part of the visit, General Musa met with Nigerian troops stationed at Togbin, where he reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving troop welfare, enhancing operational effectiveness and strengthening the capacity of the Armed Forces.
The Defence Minister also visited the Nigeria House, where he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mrs. Mopelola Ibrahim. The ambassador said Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with Benin is focused on expanding bilateral trade and deepening joint border surveillance to address shared security concerns.
The three-day visit is expected to strengthen defence cooperation between Nigeria and Benin while advancing broader regional efforts to combat terrorism and other transnational security threats.
