Nigeria deepens anti-terrorism collaboration with Benin, Niger — Defence minister

Nigeria is bolstering its military collaboration with neighboring Benin and Niger to combat the growing threat of jihadist groups encroaching from the Sahel region. Defence Minister Christopher Musa announced plans to establish a new operational sector covering the tri-country border.

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We’re opening another sector to cover the border between Nigeria, Benin Republic and Niger.

Musa explained that this initiative aims to prevent militants, including the Al-Qaeda-linked JNIM, from exploiting routes through Benin into Nigeria. "We need to close ranks so that we can defeat these enemies," he stated, emphasizing the urgency of regional cooperation despite political differences with Niger. The plan is a "work in progress" with no definitive timeline.

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From Burkina Faso, JNIM is trying to take advantage of coming through Benin Republic into Nigeria. So we’re establishing that sector… so that it gives us freedom to operate within those general areas.

The increased cooperation with Benin comes as videos have shown Beninese troops operating within Nigerian territory, with Musa confirming this occurs under established permissions. The conflict, traditionally concentrated in Nigeria's northeast, is also shifting internally, with jihadists suspected in a rare school kidnapping in the southwest. "We are trying to stop them from getting deep into the south," Musa said, noting the overlap between jihadist activity and unguarded forest reserves used for illegal mining.

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We need to close ranks so that we can defeat these enemies.

Musa also indicated plans to visit Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all governed by military regimes that have formed the Alliance of Sahel States. He acknowledged political complexities but stressed that militarily, cooperation is essential. The minister's comments come as Nigeria faces a looming presidential election, with security concerns heightened.

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We are trying to stop them from getting deep into the south.