Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), OFR, has called for a unified security alliance between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to defeat terrorism, dismantle cross-border criminal networks, and restore regional stability. This was contained in a statement signed by Leah Katung-Babatunde, SA Media, to the Honourable Minister of Defence.
General Musa who made the call upon his arrival in Cotonou for a three-day working visit aimed at harmonising regional defence strategies, harped on the need for joint regional action to combat insurgency and secure the Gulf of Guinea.
He was received at Cotonou International Airport by the Minister of National Defence of the Republic of Benin, Mr. Gildas Agonkan.
Addressing defence officials, General Musa emphasised that confronting West Africa’s complex security landscape requires an inclusive, coordinated front. He urged ECOWAS and AES leadership to find common ground to insulate land borders from insurgent spillover and strengthen maritime security along the Gulf of Guinea.
In his remarks, Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Mr. Gildas Agonkan commended Nigeria for its anchor role in stabilising the sub-region, citing its swift interventions in safeguarding democratic governance. He also praised the distinguished performance of the Nigerian Army contingent at Benin’s National Day parade on August 1st, describing Nigeria as an indispensable partner in the fight against transnational crime.
As part of the visit, General Musa met with Nigerian troops stationed at Togbin, reiterating the commitment of Commander-in-Chief President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to troop welfare, operational effectiveness, and enhanced capacity.
The Minister was also at the Nigeria House, where he was hosted by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mrs. Mopelola Ibrahim. Ambassador Ibrahim reaffirmed that Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement in Benin focuses on twin pillars: expanding bilateral trade and strengthening joint border surveillance.
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