Maryam Aminu
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has called for a new era of security cooperation between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), warning that the region cannot overcome terrorism and transnational crime without a united front.
General Musa made the appeal on Tuesday as he arrived in Cotonou, Benin Republic, for a three-day working visit focused on strengthening regional defence cooperation and harmonising strategies to combat insurgency, cross-border crime and maritime insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. He was received at the Cotonou International Airport by Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan.
Addressing defence officials, the minister stressed that the security threats confronting West Africa have become increasingly interconnected, making collaboration among regional blocs imperative. He urged the leadership of ECOWAS and the AES to bridge existing divides, secure porous land borders against terrorist infiltration and intensify joint efforts to safeguard the Gulf of Guinea from criminal activities.
General Musa said lasting peace and stability in the sub-region would only be achieved through intelligence sharing, coordinated military operations and stronger diplomatic engagement among neighbouring countries.
Responding, Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan, praised Nigeria’s leadership in promoting peace and security across West Africa. He described the country as a dependable partner in efforts to combat transnational crime and preserve democratic governance within the region.
Agonkan also commended the professionalism displayed by the Nigerian Army contingent during Benin’s National Day parade on August 1, noting that their performance reflected the strength and discipline of Nigeria’s Armed Forces.
During the visit, General Musa met with Nigerian troops stationed at Togbin, where he conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR’s continued commitment to improving troop welfare, boosting operational effectiveness and enhancing the capacity of the Armed Forces to address emerging security threats.
The Defence Minister also visited the Nigeria House in Cotonou, where he held talks with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mrs. Mopelola Ibrahim. The ambassador reaffirmed that Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with Benin remains centred on expanding bilateral trade while deepening joint border surveillance to strengthen security cooperation between both countries.
The statement was signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Defence.
Africa Security Investigation News 