Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has called for a unified security alliance between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to defeat terrorism, dismantle cross-border criminal networks, and restore regional stability.
General Musa made the call on Monday upon his arrival in Cotonou for a three-day working visit aimed at harmonising regional defence strategies and strengthening joint action against insurgency and maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea.
He was received at Cotonou International Airport by the Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Benin, Mr. Gildas Agonkan.
Addressing defence officials, Gen. Musa emphasized that confronting West Africa’s complex security landscape requires an inclusive, coordinated front.
He urged ECOWAS and AES leadership to find common ground to insulate land borders from insurgent spillover and strengthen maritime security along the Gulf of Guinea.
“The threats we face do not recognize borders. We must unite our efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and secure our region,” he said.
In his remarks, Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan ommended Nigeria for its anchor role in stabilising the sub-region, citing its swift interventions in safeguarding democratic governance.
He also praised the distinguished performance of the Nigerian Army contingent at Benin’s National Day parade on August 1, describing Nigeria as an indispensable partner in the fight against transnational crime.
As part of the visit, General Musa met with Nigerian troops stationed at Togbin, reiterating the commitment of the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to troop welfare, operational effectiveness, and enhanced capacity.
The Minister also visited the Nigeria House, where he was hosted by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mrs. Mopelola Ibrahim.
Ambassador Ibrahim reaffirmed that Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement in Benin focuses on twin pillars: expanding bilateral trade and strengthening joint border surveillance.