Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral defence cooperation aimed at strengthening security along their shared southern border and enhancing maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea.
The agreement was signed in Yaoundé on Wednesday by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), and Cameroon’s Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Assomo, following two days of discussions between defence and security experts from both countries.
According to a statement by Musa’s media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the MoU provides a comprehensive framework for cooperation across land and maritime domains, with key focus areas including intelligence sharing, joint military training, operational coordination, logistics support, personnel exchanges, and coordinated responses to emerging security threats.
The statement described the agreement as a major step toward strengthening regional stability and reinforcing long-standing defence ties between both nations.
It added that the framework is designed to address evolving security challenges across the Nigeria–Cameroon border region and improve collaboration in tackling cross-border threats.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, General Musa said the agreement would institutionalise military cooperation and deepen joint efforts in addressing shared security concerns.
Both countries also discussed plans to operationalise a Combined Maritime Joint Task Force, which is expected to boost security in the Gulf of Guinea and protect key economic interests in the region.
On defence industry collaboration, Musa highlighted the need for stronger African partnerships in military production, noting that limited local manufacturing of defence equipment remains a major challenge.
He pointed to Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation as a platform for possible cooperation in technology transfer, research, innovation, and equipment development.
Cameroon’s defence representative, Joseph Assomo, reportedly expressed interest in expanding defence technology cooperation, adding that a formal framework for collaboration is being developed.
The agreement is seen as a milestone in Nigeria–Cameroon relations, reinforcing both countries’ commitment to regional peace, security, and sovereignty.
The development comes amid recent tensions, following reports of alleged incursions by Cameroonian soldiers into the Danare community in Cross River State, which sparked concern among residents.
