Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have agreed to strengthen defence and security cooperation, particularly intelligence sharing and border security, to tackle terrorism, banditry, trafficking and other cross-border threats in West Africa.

The agreement followed a three-day working visit to Cotonou by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), who met with his Beninese counterpart, Minister of National Defence Gildas Agonkan, and the country’s senior military leadership. The discussions focused on deepening bilateral defence cooperation and harmonising regional security strategies.

‎Musa urged both countries to improve intelligence sharing and establish mechanisms for real-time information fusion to enable their security forces to identify and disrupt transnational criminal networks and violent extremist groups before they carry out attacks. He also called for stronger coordination among regional security blocs to address emerging threats.

‎The Minister reiterated Nigeria’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism and urged closer cooperation to prevent violent extremist groups from exploiting the shared border between the two countries. He also said Nigeria was willing to work with Benin to strengthen border operations and prevent the infiltration of insurgents and illegal trafficking.

‎As part of the visit, Musa and his delegation visited the Centre for Post Conflict Demining and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations and the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone in Benin. The visits provided opportunities for both countries to exchange ideas on local capacity building, defence technology and industrial development, in line with regional trade frameworks.

‎Musa also inspected Nigerian Army troops deployed in Togbin, Cotonou, as part of the Peace Support Mission in Benin under Operation ATILEYIN ALAFIA II. He assured the troops that the Federal Government was committed to improving their welfare and providing the support required for them to effectively carry out their duties.

‎The Minister also held diplomatic discussions with Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin, Mrs Mopelola Ibrahim, during the visit. Musa said the Federal Government remained committed to the welfare of Nigerian troops and the promotion of regional peace and security. He has since returned to Abuja.