By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has called for a stronger security alliance between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to effectively tackle terrorism, dismantle cross-border criminal networks, and restore peace across West Africa.
General Musa made the call on Monday upon his arrival in Cotonou, Benin Republic, for a three-day working visit aimed at harmonising regional defence strategies and strengthening cooperation against insurgency and other transnational security threats in the region.
According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Defence, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister stressed the need for coordinated regional action to combat insurgency and improve security across land and maritime borders, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea.
The Defence Minister was received at the Cotonou International Airport by Benin Republic’s Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan. During discussions with defence officials, Musa noted that the complex security challenges facing West Africa could only be addressed through an inclusive and united approach involving all countries in the region.
He urged leaders of ECOWAS and AES to find common ground in order to prevent the spread of insurgent activities across borders and strengthen maritime security architecture in the Gulf of Guinea.
Speaking during the engagement, Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan, commended Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting peace and stability in the sub-region. He noted that Nigeria had consistently demonstrated commitment to safeguarding democratic governance and supporting regional security efforts.
Agonkan also praised the performance of the Nigerian Army contingent that participated in Benin’s National Day parade on August 1, describing Nigeria as a vital partner in the fight against terrorism and transnational crime.
As part of his engagements in Benin, General Musa visited Nigerian troops stationed at Togbin, where he reassured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to their welfare, operational readiness, and capacity enhancement. He conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued support for members of the Armed Forces.
The minister also visited the Nigeria House and held discussions with Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mrs. Mopelola Ibrahim. During the meeting, the ambassador highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at expanding bilateral trade and strengthening joint border surveillance between both countries.
The visit is expected to further deepen defence cooperation between Nigeria and Benin while advancing broader regional efforts to confront terrorism, insecurity, and other emerging threats across West Africa.
