ECOWAS and AES Urged to Unite Against Terrorism

On a three-day working visit to Cotonou, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), urged for a unified security alliance between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to effectively combat terrorism and dismantle cross-border criminal networks. He emphasized the necessity of joint regional action to address the complex security challenges in West Africa and to secure the Gulf of Guinea.

General Musa was received at Cotonou International Airport by Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan, who commended Nigeria’s pivotal role in stabilizing the sub-region.

During his visit, General Musa also met with Nigerian troops stationed at Togbin and reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's commitment to troop welfare and operational effectiveness. Additionally, he was hosted by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin, Mrs.

Mopelola Ibrahim, who reaffirmed Nigeria’s focus on enhancing bilateral trade and joint border surveillance.