Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have agreed to deepen defence cooperation and establish real-time intelligence sharing to tackle terrorism, cross-border crime, banditry and piracy in West Africa.
The agreement was reached during a three-day working visit to Cotonou by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, which ended on Thursday.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the Special Adviser on Media to the minister, Leah Katung-Babatunde.
Musa was hosted by Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Gildas Agonkan, where both sides discussed security challenges affecting the two neighbouring countries and the wider West African region.
The two ministers, alongside the Beninese military command, reaffirmed their commitment to protecting democratic governance, securing land borders and improving security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The meeting came against the background of growing security threats in West Africa, including terrorism, armed banditry, trafficking, piracy and other forms of organised crime that often cross national borders.
Nigeria and Benin share a long land border, making cooperation between their security agencies important in dealing with criminals who may attempt to exploit border communities to move weapons, people or other illegal goods.
Musa said Nigeria and Benin would work to align their regional security efforts and frameworks to respond more effectively to changing threats.
He said the two countries had also agreed to improve intelligence gathering through the establishment of seamless, real-time intelligence fusion mechanisms.
According to him, the arrangement would enable security agencies in both countries to share information quickly and track transnational criminal networks and insurgent groups before they launch attacks.
The minister stressed that intelligence sharing would be critical to preventing criminals and terrorists from taking advantage of the borders between the two countries.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s zero-tolerance position on terrorism and urged Benin to work closely with Nigeria to prevent violent extremist groups from establishing safe havens along their common borders.
“Nigeria is showing no mercy to terrorists, bandits, and armed extremists. We are going to partner with the troops of the Republic of Benin to ensure that we stop all those bandits, and criminals that are killing people in our own countries,” Musa said.
The agreement is expected to strengthen existing security cooperation between Nigeria and Benin, particularly in border communities where criminal groups can take advantage of difficult terrain and limited security presence.
The two countries are also expected to coordinate more closely in the fight against piracy and other crimes in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Gulf of Guinea has for years been a major security concern for West African countries because of piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling and other maritime crimes. Improved cooperation among countries in the region has been seen as important to protecting shipping, fishing activities and economic interests.
As part of his visit, Musa inspected Nigerian troops deployed at Togbin in Cotonou under Operation ATILEYIN ALAFIA II, a peace support mission in Benin.
The minister commended the troops for their service and assured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to improving their welfare and providing the equipment and other support needed to carry out their duties.
“Mr President is preparing lots of good things for you, and we are following up to ensure that you live very well.
“We know our job is very difficult, and most times people don’t appreciate what we are doing. But God knows we are doing our best, and we are securing Nigeria,” he told the troops.
Nigeria has continued to deploy its military personnel in regional peace and security operations as part of its long-standing role in supporting stability within the Economic Community of West African States.
The minister’s visit also included a tour of the Centre for Post Conflict Demining and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations, known as CPADD.
The centre focuses on training and developing skills needed to deal with landmines, explosives and other dangers left behind by conflicts.
Musa said the visit was part of efforts to strengthen local capacity and promote the use of technology in Nigeria’s defence strategy.
He said the engagements were in line with the third pillar of his defence policy, which focuses on intelligence-driven and technology-enabled defence.
The minister and his delegation also visited the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone, GDIZ, where they explored opportunities for local capacity building, industrial development and cooperation.
Musa said the visit provided an opportunity for both countries to exchange ideas on how security and economic development could be strengthened.
He linked the discussions to the trade and development goals of ECOWAS and the African Continental Free Trade Area, stressing the need for security to support economic activities across borders.
He said a secure environment was necessary for businesses, industries and communities to benefit from regional trade.
Musa also held diplomatic talks with Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin, Mopelola Ibrahim.
The discussions focused on President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian military personnel and the promotion of peace and stability across the region.
The latest agreement is expected to further strengthen the security relationship between Nigeria and Benin at a time when West African countries are facing rising threats from extremist groups and organised criminal networks.
For Nigeria, stronger cooperation with neighbouring countries remains important because security threats do not stop at national borders. Intelligence sharing, joint operations and coordinated border security are therefore seen as key tools in preventing criminals and terrorists from exploiting gaps between neighbouring countries.