Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (rtd), 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.

Musa made the call on Tuesday as he arrived in Cotonou, Benin Republic, for a three-day working visit, aimed at harmonising regional defence strategies, and 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, the Minister emphasised that confronting West Africa’s complex security landscape requires an inclusive, coordinated front, urging 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, the Benin’s Minister of National Defence, Agonkan, commended Nigeria for her 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.

In a statement, the Special Assistant to the Minister, Leah Katung-Babatunde, said that as part of the visit, Musa met with Nigerian troops stationed at Togbin, reiterating the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to troops’ 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. Ibrahim reaffirmed that Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement in Benin focuses on twin pillars: expanding bilateral trade and strengthening joint border surveillance.