Nigeria and Benin Strengthen Security Cooperation

General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), the Honourable Minister of Defence of Nigeria, completed a strategic three-day working visit to Cotonou, Republic of Benin, aimed at strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and addressing regional security challenges. Hosted by Benin's Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan, the discussions centered on harmonizing security frameworks and enhancing joint strategies to combat cross-border threats in West Africa.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing and agreed to establish real-time intelligence fusion mechanisms to track and neutralize transnational criminal networks. General Musa reiterated Nigeria's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and urged collaboration to deny safe havens to violent extremist organizations.

Additionally, Nigeria proposed expanded pursuit ranges for Beninese security personnel to enhance border security. The visit included inspections of Nigerian Army troops in Cotonou and discussions on local capacity building aligned with ECOWAS protocols and the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.