Nigeria, Benin Republic Agree on Joint Action to Curb Cross-Border Crimes

Nigeria and the Republic of Benin have agreed to strengthen defence cooperation and establish a real-time intelligence-sharing framework to combat cross-border crimes, terrorism, banditry and piracy across West Africa.

The agreement was reached during a three-day official visit to Cotonou by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa, which concluded on Thursday.

A statement issued on Friday by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, said the visit focused on enhancing bilateral security collaboration and addressing emerging threats affecting both countries.

Musa was received by Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Gildas Agonkan, where both leaders, alongside senior military officials from Benin, reaffirmed their commitment to protecting democratic institutions, strengthening border security and ensuring stability within the Gulf of Guinea.

During the meeting, both countries agreed to improve regional security coordination by aligning existing defence frameworks to respond more effectively to transnational criminal activities.

A major outcome of the discussions was the decision to establish seamless real-time intelligence-sharing mechanisms that will enable both nations to quickly detect, monitor and neutralise terrorist groups, insurgents and organised criminal networks operating across their shared borders.

Musa stressed that Nigeria remains committed to eliminating terrorism and violent extremism, urging Benin Republic to work closely with Nigerian security agencies to deny criminal groups safe havens within the region.

“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 countries,” the minister said.

As part of the visit, Musa also inspected Nigerian military personnel deployed in Togbin, Cotonou, under Operation ATILEYIN ALAFIA II, Nigeria’s peace support mission in Benin Republic.

He commended the troops for their professionalism and sacrifice, assuring them that the Federal Government remained committed to improving their welfare, working conditions and operational support.

According to him, President Bola Tinubu is implementing measures aimed at enhancing the welfare of military personnel serving both within and outside Nigeria.

The minister also visited the Centre for Post Conflict Demining and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operations (CPADD) and the Glo-Djigbe Industrial Zone (GDIZ) to explore opportunities for technology transfer, capacity building and industrial collaboration.

He explained that the engagements align with the Federal Government’s defence strategy of promoting intelligence-driven and technology-enabled security operations while encouraging regional trade and development under ECOWAS protocols and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Musa also met with Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin, Mrs. Mopelola Ibrahim, where discussions centred on regional peace, diplomatic cooperation and the continued welfare of Nigerian military personnel serving abroad.