Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with the Republics of Benin and Burundi as part of efforts to combat terrorism, transnational crime and other security threats across the region.
Minister of Defence, retired General Christopher Musa, said enhanced collaboration with the Republic of Benin, particularly in intelligence sharing, joint military operations and sustained security engagements, would help secure shared borders, curb the activities of criminal elements and promote peace and stability in West Africa.
Musa made the remarks while addressing Nigerian troops deployed in the Republic of Benin during a working visit to the country, where he also held discussions aimed at deepening bilateral military cooperation.
“We are going to partner with the troops of the Republic of Benin to ensure that we stop all those bandits, all those criminals that are killing people in our own countries, so that we can deal with them. One of the reasons for my visit is to come here and meet their own Minister of Defence so that we can sit down and see how we can work out our operations together, so that we can stop these people from infiltrating through our borders,” he said.
The Defence Minister also thanked the Beninese authorities for their support and hospitality.
“Because of the love and the commitment of His Excellency, he put us here so that we can equally see you. So, we are ever grateful to him and the entire good people of the Republic of Benin,” Musa added.
Addressing the Nigerian contingent, the minister commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication, urging them to remain committed to their responsibilities despite the challenges of military service.
He assured the personnel that the Federal Government remained committed to improving their welfare and providing the resources required to enhance their operational effectiveness.
“So I will also come and visit you when you get back so that we can also talk in detail. A lot of good things that Mr President is preparing for you, we are following up to ensure that you live very well. We are providing the necessary aspects so that you can do your job. We know our job is very, very difficult, and most times people don’t appreciate what we are doing. But God knows we are doing our best, and we are securing Nigeria,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to expanding strategic defence cooperation with the Republic of Burundi to strengthen regional peace, enhance military professionalism and improve Africa’s collective response to terrorism and other transnational security threats.
Shaibu gave the assurance while receiving Burundi’s Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Edouard Nduwimana, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the Army Chief described Nigeria and Burundi as longstanding partners bound by shared African values, mutual respect and a common commitment to continental peace and security.
He said the Nigerian Army would continue to deepen bilateral cooperation through military training, institutional capacity development, personnel exchanges and other strategic engagements designed to strengthen the capabilities of both countries’ armed forces.
Responding, Ambassador Nduwimana conveyed the goodwill of Burundi’s President, General Évariste Ndayishimiye, and commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and contributions to peacekeeping, counter-terrorism operations and regional security.
He also advocated greater access for Burundian military personnel to Nigerian military institutions through scholarships, specialised training and capacity-building programmes, while calling for increased collaboration in joint exercises, instructor exchanges and peace support operations.
