Nigeria, Benin Republic Strengthen Joint Strategy Against Cross-Border Threats

Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, intelligence sharing and border security as part of efforts to tackle terrorism, banditry, trafficking and other transnational crimes in West Africa.

The agreement was reached during a three-day working visit to Cotonou by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), where he held discussions with his Beninese counterpart, Gildas Agonkan, and the country’s military high command.

In a statement issued on Friday by Musa’s Special Adviser on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the ministry said the visit produced actionable commitments aimed at harmonising regional security frameworks and strengthening joint responses to cross-border threats.

The two countries reaffirmed their commitment to protecting democratic governance, securing their land borders and tackling piracy and other maritime crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.

A major outcome of the discussions was an agreement to establish seamless, real-time intelligence-sharing mechanisms between the two countries.

According to the statement, the proposed intelligence fusion system would enable the militaries to track and neutralise transnational criminal networks and insurgent groups before they launch attacks.

Musa also reiterated the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, urging Benin to work closely with Nigeria to prevent violent extremist groups from establishing safe havens along their shared borders.

The minister said Nigerian security forces would continue to intensify operations against terrorists, bandits and other armed groups threatening national security.