Nigeria and Benin Boost Military Ties Against Security Threats

Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced military cooperation to address regional security threats, including terrorism, banditry, and piracy. This commitment was established during a three-day working visit to Cotonou by Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Christopher Gwabin Musa.

The visit involved strategic meetings with Beninese defence authorities, including Minister of National Defence Gildas Agonkan. Key discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence relations, harmonizing security frameworks, and enhancing intelligence sharing.

A significant outcome was the agreement to improve real-time intelligence exchange to track criminal networks. Musa emphasized Nigeria's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and urged Benin to collaborate closely to deny safe havens to extremist groups.

He proposed enhanced border security cooperation to prevent insurgent infiltration and arms trafficking. Musa also toured the Centre for Post-Conflict Demining and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations and visited Nigerian Army personnel in Cotonou, assuring them of the government's commitment to their welfare and operational effectiveness.