Nigeria, Benin Deepen Defense Cooperation to Combat Terrorism, Cross-Border Crime

Nigeria is reinforcing its defense cooperation with the Republic of Benin to effectively tackle terrorism and cross-border criminal activities. Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration, including improved intelligence sharing and coordinated military operations, to bolster border security.

Musa stated that closer ties between the two nations' security forces would prevent criminal elements from exploiting territorial boundaries, thereby promoting peace and stability in the sub-region. He made these remarks during a visit to Nigerian troops stationed in Benin, emphasizing the mutual benefit of joint operations.

“

We are going to partner with the troops of the Republic of Benin to ensure that we stop all those bandits, all those criminals that are killing people in our own countries, so that we can deal with them.

"We are going to partner with the troops of the Republic of Benin to ensure that we stop all those bandits, all those criminals that are killing people in our own countries, so that we can deal with them," Musa said. He added that his visit included discussions with the Benin Minister of Defence to align operational strategies.

In a related development, Nigeria is also deepening its strategic defense cooperation with the Republic of Burundi. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reaffirmed this commitment during a meeting with Burundi's Ambassador to Nigeria, Edouard Nduwimana. These initiatives aim to strengthen regional peace, enhance military professionalism, and improve Africa's collective response to terrorism and other transnational security threats.

“

One of the reasons for my visit is to come here and meet their own Minister of Defence so that we can sit down and see how we can work out our operations together, so that we can stop these people from infiltrating through our borders.