Nigeria, Cameroon Sign Defence Pact to Secure Shared Southern Border

Nigeria's Defence Minister General Christoph Gwabin Musa and Cameroon's Minister Delegated to the Presidency in charge of Defence Joseph Beti Assomo have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at deepening bilateral defence cooperation and securing their nations' shared southern frontier. The agreement was signed in Yaoundé following two days of talks between defence and security experts from both countries.

The accord establishes a modern framework for addressing emerging security challenges across both land and maritime domains along the Nigeria-Cameroon border. The pact creates mechanisms for intelligence exchange between the two nations, coordinates military operations, provides logistical support, and enables joint training programmes and personnel exchanges.

The agreement also establishes procedures for responding collectively to security incidents that may arise. Both governments positioned the memorandum as a significant step toward regional stability.

The framework covers cooperation in terrestrial and maritime security, reflecting the strategic importance of the Gulf of Guinea region and the need to counter threats that span multiple operational areas. The signing ceremony marked the conclusion of intensive deliberations that brought together security experts tasked with designing practical cooperation measures.

The agreement renews and modernises the defence partnership between Nigeria and Cameroon, two of West Africa's largest military powers. Previous defence arrangements between the nations are now being updated to reflect current security realities.

The specific details of intelligence-sharing protocols, training schedules, and operational coordination mechanisms were not disclosed in official statements.