Nigeria and Benin Strengthen Defence Cooperation

General Christopher Gwabin Musa (retd), Nigeria's Minister of Defence, 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 focused on harmonizing regional security frameworks and reinforcing joint strategies to combat cross-border security threats in West Africa. The visit resulted in actionable commitments, including enhanced intelligence sharing through real-time intelligence fusion mechanisms to track and neutralize transnational criminal networks.

General Musa emphasized Nigeria's zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and urged collaboration to deny safe havens to violent extremist organizations. Additionally, Nigeria proposed allowing Benin's security personnel a wider pursuit range at borders to prevent insurgent spillover and illegal trafficking, reaffirming both nations' commitment to safeguarding democratic governance and securing the Gulf of Guinea against piracy and maritime crime.