…Move comes days after alleged Cameroonian incursion into Cross River community
By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral defence cooperation aimed at strengthening security along their shared southern border and enhancing maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday in Yaoundé, Cameroon, by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), and Cameroon’s Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Mr Joseph Assomo, following two days of high-level discussions involving defence and security experts from both countries.
The pact is expected to deepen military collaboration between the neighbouring countries and provide a coordinated response to emerging security challenges across land and maritime domains.
A statement issued by the media aide to the Nigerian Defence Minister, Leah Katung-Babatunde, said the agreement establishes a renewed framework for cooperation in securing the Nigeria-Cameroon southern border while reinforcing the long-standing defence relationship between both nations.
According to the statement, the memorandum covers intelligence sharing, operational coordination, logistics support, joint military training, personnel exchange programmes and collective mechanisms for responding to evolving security threats.
“In a major step toward regional stability, the Honourable Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Christopher Musa (retd.), today signed an MoU with the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence of the Republic of Cameroon, Mr Joseph Assomo, to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and secure their shared southern border,” the statement said.
It added that the agreement was designed to address emerging security concerns in both terrestrial and maritime environments.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, General Musa described the agreement as a significant milestone in the defence relationship between the two countries.
He said the MoU would provide a structured framework for military cooperation and operations while institutionalising collaboration in tackling common security threats.
“The agreement will henceforth provide a structured framework for military cooperation and operations between both countries and further institutionalise collaboration in addressing common security concerns,” Musa stated.
A major aspect of the discussions centred on the operationalisation of the Combined Maritime Joint Task Force, a regional security platform intended to strengthen maritime security and protect economic interests in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Gulf of Guinea remains one of Africa’s most strategic maritime corridors and has, over the years, faced challenges including piracy, illegal fishing, oil theft and other transnational crimes.
The two countries also explored opportunities for cooperation in defence manufacturing and technology development.
General Musa noted that one of the major obstacles to Africa’s defence capability has been limited indigenous production of military hardware and equipment.
He stressed the need for stronger regional partnerships in defence production and highlighted opportunities available under Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation framework.
The Defence Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with Cameroon in areas such as defence manufacturing, technology transfer, research and innovation.
Responding, Assomo expressed Cameroon’s interest in strengthening cooperation in defence technology and disclosed that a formal framework was being developed to facilitate bilateral collaboration in that sector.
The signing of the agreement comes at a sensitive period in relations between the two countries following reports that armed Cameroonian soldiers recently crossed into Danare community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, allegedly causing tension and panic among residents.
Although neither side publicly referenced the incident during the signing ceremony, analysts believe the new agreement could help improve communication, coordination and conflict management along the shared border.
Both governments described the defence pact as a landmark achievement that underscores their commitment to regional peace, security, sovereignty and economic stability.
