Nigeria, Benin seal defence pact to combat cross-border threats

General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria's Defence Minister, wrapped up a three-day strategic visit to Cotonou in Benin. His host was Gildas Agonkan, Benin's Minister of National Defence.

Both delegations established binding commitments to bolster military ties and synchronize security operations against threats afflicting the West African region. The discussions prioritized strengthening defence cooperation and aligning security policies between the two states to combat cross-border criminal enterprises.

Piracy, banditry, terrorism, and transnational crimes featured prominently in the agenda requiring coordinated responses. Harmonising the nations' security frameworks emerged as a critical objective, with special emphasis placed on border security protocols and mechanisms for sharing intelligence.

Leading the Nigerian delegation, General Musa convened with military commanders and defence officials from Benin. A statement released by Leah Katung-Babatunde, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, highlighted that productive engagements yielded actionable commitments across multiple sectors of defence and security cooperation.

This partnership reflects Nigeria's broader strategy to establish defence relationships with adjacent nations, tackling cross-border security crises destabilising the sub-region. Both governments restated their resolve to eliminate threats that traverse boundaries and have destabilised West Africa over time.

The substantive results from this diplomatic engagement are intended to guide forthcoming military operations and intelligence coordination between Abuja and Cotonou.