Nigeria and the Republic of Benin are stepping up security ties to tackle cross-border crime and keep West Africa’s borders and waters safer.
The agreement came after a three-day working visit to Cotonou by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.). He was hosted by Benin’s Defence Minister, Gildas Agonkan.
The two ministers agreed to align regional security plans, share intelligence faster, and work together to protect democratic rule, stabilize land borders, and secure the Gulf of Guinea from piracy and other maritime crimes.
A key part of the deal is a real-time intelligence fusion system. The goal is to help both militaries track and stop transnational criminal networks and insurgent groups before they strike.
General Musa said Nigeria will not tolerate terrorism and called for closer action to cut off safe havens in border communities. Nigeria also offered to expand the operational range of security personnel at border areas to block insurgent spillover and illegal trafficking.
While in Benin, General Musa inspected Nigerian troops stationed in Togbin, Cotonou, as part of the Peace Support Mission under Operation ATILEYIN ALAFIA II.
“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 own countries,” he told the soldiers. “One of the reasons for my visit is to meet their Minister of Defence so we can work out our operations together and stop these people from infiltrating through our borders.”
He also assured the troops that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is working on better welfare and equipment for them.
“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.
The delegation also toured the Centre for Post-Conflict Demining and Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone. The visits focused on building local capacity and boosting industry, in line with ECOWAS trade protocols and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Before leaving Cotonou, General Musa met with Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin, Mrs. Mopelola Ibrahim, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to regional peace and military welfare. He has since returned to Abuja.
