Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have agreed to strengthen defence cooperation, intelligence sharing and border security to tackle terrorism, banditry, trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
The agreement was reached during a three-day working visit to Cotonou by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), who held meetings with his Beninese counterpart, Minister of National Defence, Gildas Agonkan, and the country’s top military command.
According to a statement signed by the SA (Media) to the Minister of Defence Leah Katung-Babatunde, the discussions focused on improving bilateral defence cooperation, coordinating security operations and strengthening regional responses to emerging security threats.
Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to protecting democratic governance, securing their shared borders and combating piracy and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
Musa called for stronger coordination between regional security blocs, stressing the need for both countries to work together to prevent terrorists, bandits and criminal networks from exploiting their shared borders.
The two sides also agreed to strengthen real-time intelligence sharing and fusion mechanisms to enable security forces to identify, track and disrupt transnational criminal networks and insurgent groups.
The defence Minister further proposed wider operational cooperation along the borders to prevent terrorist infiltration, illegal trafficking and other cross-border crimes.
During the visit, Musa inspected Nigerian Army troops deployed at Togbin, Cotonou, under the Peace Support Mission in Benin Republic, Operation ATILEYIN ALAFIA II.
Addressing the troops, the Minister said Nigeria would partner with the Beninese military to prevent criminals and terrorists from using the borders to infiltrate either country.
He also assured the troops of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving their welfare and providing the necessary support to enable them carry out their duties effectively.
Musa also visited the Centre for Post Conflict Demining and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations and the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone, where discussions focused on capacity building, technology and industrial cooperation.
The Defence Minister also held diplomatic talks with Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin, Mrs Mopelola Ibrahim, reiterating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to military welfare and regional peace and security.
Musa has since returned to Abuja.