Nigeria seeks closer ECOWAS, Sahel ties to fight terrorism

Nigeria's Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, is advocating for enhanced security collaboration between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The minister stressed the importance of this cooperation to effectively combat terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crimes plaguing the region.

Musa made these remarks during a three-day working visit to Cotonou, Benin Republic. His discussions there focused on harmonizing regional defense strategies and bolstering security cooperation. He highlighted that West Africa's complex security landscape necessitates a coordinated and inclusive response. The minister urged leaders of both ECOWAS and the AES to identify common ground to prevent the spread of insurgency across land borders and to improve maritime security within the Gulf of Guinea.

During his visit, Musa also met with Nigerian troops stationed in Togbin, conveying President Bola Tinubu's commitment to improving troop welfare and operational effectiveness. He was received by Benin's Minister of National Defence, Gildas Agonkan, who praised Nigeria's leadership role in promoting regional peace and stability. The ambassador of Nigeria to Benin Republic, Mopelola Ibrahim, also met with Musa, emphasizing Nigeria's diplomatic focus on expanding bilateral trade and strengthening joint border surveillance to address emerging security threats.

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There is a need for a unified security alliance between the ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States to defeat terrorism, dismantle cross-border criminal networks, and restore regional stability. ECOWAS and AES leadership should find a common ground to insulate land borders from insurgent spillover and strengthen maritime security along the Gulf of Guinea.