• As Burundi strengthen defence ties with Nigeria to boost regional security, counter terrorism
Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd.), has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening defence cooperation with the Republic of Benin as part of efforts to tackle terrorism, cross-border crime and other transnational security threats.
Musa said closer collaboration between both countries, including improved intelligence sharing, coordinated operations and sustained military engagement, would enhance border security, prevent criminal elements from exploiting territorial boundaries and promote peace and stability across the sub-region.
The minister stated this while addressing Nigerian troops serving in the Republic of Benin during a working visit to the country, where he highlighted the need for stronger cooperation between the two nations’ security forces.
He said: “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.”
Musa also expressed appreciation to the Benin authorities for their hospitality and support, saying, “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.”
While addressing the Nigerian contingent, the minister commended the troops for their commitment and urged them to remain dedicated to their responsibilities.
He further assured the troops that the federal government was committed to improving their welfare and providing the necessary support to enable them to perform their duties effectively.
“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 added.
In a related development, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to deepening 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 stated this while receiving the Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to Nigeria, His Excellency Edouard Nduwimana, during a courtesy visit to Army Headquarters, Abuja.
According to a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, the COAS described Nigeria and Burundi as longstanding partners united by shared African values, mutual respect and a common commitment to continental peace and security.
He said the Nigerian Army would continue to expand cooperation through military training, institutional capacity development, personnel exchanges and strategic engagements aimed at strengthening the capabilities of both armed forces.
Responding, Ambassador Nduwimana conveyed the goodwill of the President of Burundi, General Évariste Ndayishimiye, and commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and contributions to peacekeeping, counter-terrorism efforts and regional security.
He called for increased opportunities for Burundian military personnel to access Nigerian military institutions through scholarships, specialised training and capacity-building programmes, while advocating closer collaboration in joint exercises, instructor exchanges and peace support operations.