Bomba Dauda
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has called for stronger collaboration between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to defeat terrorism, dismantle cross-border criminal networks, and restore lasting peace and stability across West Africa.
General Musa made the call on Tuesday upon his arrival in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, for a three-day working visit aimed at harmonising regional defence strategies and deepening security cooperation among neighbouring countries.
The Defence Minister, who was received at Cotonou International Airport by Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan, stressed that the growing security challenges confronting the region require a united and coordinated response.
He emphasised the need for ECOWAS and AES to work together in addressing insurgency, securing land borders against the spillover of terrorist activities, and strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
According to him, only a collective regional approach can effectively confront the complex security threats facing West Africa and guarantee lasting stability across the sub-region.
Responding, Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan, commended Nigeria for its leadership role in promoting peace and stability in West Africa. He praised Nigeria’s swift interventions in defence of democratic governance and described the country as an indispensable partner in the fight against transnational crime.
Agonkan also lauded the outstanding performance of the Nigerian Army contingent during Benin’s National Day parade held on August 1, noting that it further demonstrated the strong military ties between both countries.
As part of his official engagements, General Musa visited Nigerian troops stationed at Togbin, where he reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of military personnel, improved operational effectiveness, and enhanced capacity to confront emerging security threats.
The Defence Minister also visited the Nigeria House in Cotonou, where he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mrs. Mopelola Ibrahim.
The Ambassador reiterated that Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with Benin is anchored on expanding bilateral trade and strengthening joint border surveillance, describing the two areas as critical to improving economic cooperation and regional security.
General Musa’s visit is expected to further strengthen defence cooperation between Nigeria and Benin while advancing broader efforts to build a united regional front against terrorism and other transnational security threats across West Africa.
