Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has called for stronger collaboration between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to tackle terrorism, cross-border crimes and insecurity across the region.
The minister made the appeal during a three-day working visit to Cotonou, Benin Republic, aimed at strengthening regional defence cooperation and harmonising security strategies among West African nations.
According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, General Musa stressed the need for a united regional approach to combat insurgency and improve security across the Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking during engagements with defence officials, Musa said the growing security challenges facing West Africa require greater cooperation between ECOWAS and the AES.
He urged leaders of both regional blocs to put aside their differences and work together to protect land borders from terrorist infiltration while strengthening maritime security.
The Defence Minister noted that only coordinated regional efforts would effectively dismantle terrorist networks and other cross-border criminal groups threatening peace and stability in the sub-region.
During the visit, General Musa was received at the Cotonou International Airport by Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan.
In his remarks, Agonkan praised Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting peace and stability across West Africa, describing the country as a key partner in the fight against terrorism and transnational crime.
He also commended the outstanding performance of the Nigerian Army contingent that participated in Benin’s National Day parade held on August 1.
As part of his visit, General Musa met with Nigerian troops stationed at Togbin, where he reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving troop welfare, enhancing operational effectiveness and strengthening the capacity of the Armed Forces.
The minister also visited the Nigeria House in Cotonou, where he was received by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mrs. Mopelola Ibrahim.
The ambassador reiterated that Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with Benin is focused on expanding bilateral trade and enhancing joint border surveillance to improve regional security.
