Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has called for stronger collaboration between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to combat terrorism, dismantle cross-border criminal networks and restore peace across West Africa.

Musa made the call on Tuesday upon his arrival in Cotonou, Benin Republic, for a three-day working visit aimed at harmonising regional defence strategies. He said a united regional approach is essential to tackling insurgency and strengthening security in the Gulf of Guinea. The minister was received at Cotonou International Airport by Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan.

‎Addressing defence officials, the minister stressed that West Africa’s evolving security challenges require an inclusive and coordinated response. He urged the leadership of ECOWAS and AES to set aside differences and work together to prevent insurgent spillovers across land borders while improving maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

Responding, Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Gildas Agonkan, commended Nigeria for its leading role in promoting peace and stability in the sub-region. He praised the country’s swift interventions in defending democratic governance and described Nigeria as a key partner in the fight against transnational crime.

‎Agonkan also applauded the performance of the Nigerian Army contingent during Benin’s National Day parade held on August 1, saying the display reflected the professionalism and commitment of Nigeria’s armed forces.

‎As part of his visit, 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 military’s capacity to address emerging security threats.

The defence minister also visited the Nigeria House in Cotonou, where he was hosted by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mrs. Mopelola Ibrahim. The ambassador said Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with Benin is focused on expanding bilateral trade and reinforcing joint border surveillance to enhance regional security and economic cooperation.