Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have pledged to deepen their security partnership to fight terrorism, piracy, and various cross-border criminal activities. This initiative followed a three-day official visit to Cotonou by the Nigerian Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd).
During his meetings with Beninese Minister of National Defence Gildas Agonkan, General Musa emphasized the need for better synchronization between regional security forces. The two nations committed to creating real-time intelligence-sharing channels to identify and dismantle criminal networks and insurgent cells before they can launch attacks. Nigeria has also offered technical support to enhance border security, aiming to block the movement of illegal groups and traffickers.
General Musa inspected critical military and industrial facilities, including the Centre for Post Conflict De-mining and Explosive Ordnance Disposal, to promote localized capacity and technology-driven defense strategies. Discussions also touched upon aligning economic cooperation with ECOWAS and AfCFTA protocols.
While visiting Nigerian troops stationed in Cotonou for Operation ATILEYIN ALAFIA II, General Musa highlighted the importance of a unified front against bandits and extremists. He reiterated the Nigerian government’s commitment to supporting military welfare and ensuring the stability of the shared border region. The minister has returned to Abuja following the conclusion of these high-level discussions.