Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), 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 growing security threats across the region.
Musa made the call during a working visit to the Republic of Benin, where he engaged defence officials on strategies to improve regional security cooperation and strengthen efforts against insurgency.
The minister argued that the security challenges confronting West Africa require a coordinated response involving all countries in the region, regardless of existing political differences.
He stressed the need for ECOWAS and AES member states to work together in securing land borders, disrupting criminal networks and preventing the spread of insurgent activities across neighbouring countries.
Musa also highlighted the importance of protecting the Gulf of Guinea, noting that maritime security remains essential to safeguarding economic activities and preventing transnational crimes.
The defence minister was received in Cotonou by Benin Republic’s Minister of National Defence, Gildas Agonkan, who commended Nigeria’s contributions to regional stability and security.
Agonkan described Nigeria as a key partner in promoting peace and democratic governance across West Africa and praised the role played by Nigerian security forces in supporting regional initiatives.
During the visit, Musa met with Nigerian troops deployed in Benin Republic and conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving troop welfare, operational readiness and military capacity.
He assured the personnel that the Federal Government would continue investing in resources and support mechanisms necessary for effective operations.
The minister also visited the Nigerian diplomatic mission in Benin, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, improving border security and promoting economic cooperation between both countries.
Officials said the visit forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance regional partnerships and develop collective strategies to address terrorism, organised crime and other security threats affecting West Africa.
Security experts have repeatedly emphasised that stronger cooperation among regional blocs is crucial to confronting increasingly sophisticated criminal networks operating across national boundaries.
