Defence minister calls for unity among ECOWAS, AES states to end insurgency, cross-border crimes

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd), has called for a unified security alliance between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to fight terrorism, cross-border criminal networks and restore peace and stability in the region.

General Musa, who made the call in his address to defence officials in Cotonou, stressed the need for joint regional action to combat insurgency and secure the Gulf of Guinea.

The minister, who is on a three-day working visit aimed at harmonising regional defence strategies, emphasised that confronting West Africa’s complex security landscape requires an inclusive, coordinated front.

He urged ECOWAS and AES leaders to find common ground to insulate land borders from insurgent spillover and strengthen maritime security along the Gulf of Guinea.

Welcoming the minister to Benin Republic, the 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 1, 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 the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, 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, who reaffirmed that Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement in Benin focuses on two pillars: expanding bilateral trade and strengthening joint border surveillance.