By Zainab Bakare
Nigeria has called for a stronger security alliance between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to tackle terrorism and cross-border crime.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), made the call in Cotonou, Benin Republic, during a three-day working visit focused on strengthening regional defence cooperation and harmonising security strategies.
He said no single country could address the region’s growing security challenges alone.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, Musa urged ECOWAS and AES leaders to set aside differences and develop a coordinated security framework.
He says such collaboration would help prevent insurgent movements across land borders while strengthening maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Musa also call for stronger regional cooperation to defeat terrorism, curb transnational organised crime and safeguard peace and stability across West Africa.
He was received at the Cotonou International Airport by Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Gildas Agonkan.
Benin backs Nigeria’s regional role
Agonkan praised Nigeria’s leadership in promoting peace and stability across West Africa.
He commended Nigeria’s interventions in defending democratic governance and praised the Nigerian Army contingent for its performance during Benin’s National Day parade on August 1.
Agonkan described Nigeria as a critical partner in the fight against transnational crime and regional insecurity.
Musa meets Nigerian troops
During the visit, Musa met Nigerian troops stationed at Togbin.
He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving troop welfare, strengthening military capacity and enhancing operational effectiveness.
The Minister later visited Nigeria House, where he was hosted by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic, Mopelola Ibrahim.
Ibrahim said Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with Benin focuses on expanding bilateral trade and strengthening joint border surveillance.
She said closer cooperation would improve security and deepen economic ties between both countries.
