ECOWAS, AES Must Unite to Defeat Terrorism, Says Defence Minister Musa

Nigeria's Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has called for stronger collaboration between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) to tackle terrorism, dismantle cross-border criminal networks and restore peace and stability across West Africa.

General Musa made the call on Tuesday upon his arrival in Cotonou, Benin Republic, for a three day working visit aimed at harmonising regional defence strategies and strengthening collective security efforts in the sub-region.

According to a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister stressed that the worsening security situation in West Africa demands a united and coordinated response from regional blocs, particularly in addressing insurgency and securing the Gulf of Guinea.

He was received at the Cotonou International Airport by Benin's Minister of National Defence, Gildas Agonkan.

Addressing defence officials during the visit, Musa said the fight against terrorism and other transnational crimes could only succeed through closer cooperation among neighbouring countries. 

He urged the leadership of ECOWAS and the AES to set aside differences and work together to strengthen border security, prevent the movement of insurgents across national boundaries and improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

"The region's security challenges require an inclusive and coordinated approach. A united front is critical to defeating terrorism and ensuring lasting peace across West Africa," the minister said.

In his remarks, Benin's Minister of National Defence, Gildas Agonkan, praised Nigeria for its leadership role in promoting peace and stability in the region. 

He commended Nigeria's prompt interventions in defending democratic governance within the sub-region and described the country as an indispensable partner in combating transnational crime.

Agonkan also applauded the performance of the Nigerian Army contingent that participated in Benin's National Day parade on August 1, noting that it reflected the professionalism and strong military partnership between both countries.

As part of his engagements in Benin, General Musa visited Nigerian troops stationed at Togbin, where he conveyed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to improving troop welfare, enhancing operational effectiveness and strengthening the capacity of the Armed Forces to address emerging security threats.

The minister also visited the Nigeria House in Cotonou, where he was received by Nigeria's Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Mopelola Ibrahim. 

The ambassador reaffirmed that Nigeria's diplomatic engagement with Benin remains focused on expanding bilateral trade and reinforcing joint border surveillance as part of broader efforts to improve regional security and economic cooperation.

General Musa's visit is expected to further deepen defence collaboration between Nigeria and Benin while advancing regional initiatives aimed at confronting terrorism, organised crime and other security threats confronting West Africa.