Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have agreed to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and strengthen joint efforts to tackle cross-border security threats across West Africa.
The agreement followed a three-day working visit to Cotonou by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), at the invitation of his Beninese counterpart, Gildas Agonkan.
During the visit, both countries agreed to harmonise regional security frameworks, enhance intelligence sharing and reinforce military cooperation to protect democratic governance, secure their shared borders and strengthen maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
A key outcome of the discussions was the decision to establish seamless, real-time intelligence-sharing mechanisms that will enable both militaries to detect, track and neutralise transnational criminal networks and insurgent groups before they launch attacks.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s zero-tolerance policy on terrorism, General Musa called for closer collaboration to deny violent extremist groups safe havens along the two countries’ borders. Nigeria also offered Benin an expanded operational pursuit range for security personnel along their common frontier to curb insurgent infiltration, arms smuggling and other forms of cross-border crime.
As part of the visit, the Defence Minister inspected Nigerian Army personnel deployed in Togbin, Cotonou, under Operation ATILEYIN ALAFIA II, a peace support mission in the Republic of Benin.
Addressing the troops, Musa said the partnership between both countries’ armed forces would strengthen efforts to eliminate criminal and terrorist elements operating across their borders.
“We are going to partner with the troops of the Republic of Benin to ensure that we stop all those bandits, all those criminals that are killing people in our countries, so that we can deal with them,” he said.
“One of the reasons for my visit is to meet with the Minister of Defence so that we can work out joint operations and prevent these criminals from infiltrating through our borders.”
The Defence Minister also assured the troops of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving their welfare, equipment and operational support.
“A lot of good things that Mr President is preparing for you, we are following up to ensure that you live very well. We are providing the necessary support so that you can do your job. We know our job is very difficult, and most times people don’t appreciate what we are doing. But God knows we are doing our best, and we are securing Nigeria,” he said.
Beyond security engagements, the Nigerian delegation visited the Centre for Post-Conflict Demining and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations and the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone to explore opportunities for local capacity development. The visits align with the Defence Minister’s Intelligence-Driven and Technology-Enabled Defence initiative and provided a platform for both countries to exchange ideas on industrial development, trade and regional economic integration in line with ECOWAS protocols and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
General Musa also held diplomatic consultations with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mrs Mopelola Ibrahim, during which he reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening military welfare and promoting regional peace and security.
The Defence Minister has since returned to Abuja.
