The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), has proposed a unified security alliance between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) , as part of measures to defeat terrorism, dismantle cross-border criminal networks, and restore regional stability.

General Musa made the call shortly after arriving in Cotonou, Benin Republic, on a 3-day working visit .

A statement signed on Tuesday by the Special Adviser on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde, said the purpose of the former Chief of Defence Staff’s visit was the harmonisation of regional defence strategies.

The Minister underscored the need for joint regional action, with a view to combating insurgency, while also securing the Gulf of Guinea.

“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”, the statement reads in part.

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”, the statement concluded.

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