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Nigeria is expanding security cooperation with Benin Republic and Niger to contain jihadist groups moving south from the Sahel, Defence Minister, retired General Christopher Musa, said on Thursday.
Speaking to AFP in Abuja, Musa said a new joint military sector will cover the Nigeria-Benin-Niger border area.
“JNIM is trying to use Burkina Faso and Benin Republic as a route into Nigeria. We are setting up that sector to allow cross-border operations in those areas,” he explained.
He described the arrangement as a “work in progress” and did not give a timeline for full deployment.
Musa also disclosed plans to visit Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in the coming months. The three countries are under military rule and have left ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States.
“Politically there are issues, but militarily we have moved past that with Niger. They understand the need to avoid security gaps,” he said. “We must close ranks to defeat.See the video & full news here. Thank you and God bless.
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