Nigeria and Cameroon Sign Security Agreement

Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on security.

The MoU was signed by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, and Joseph Assomo, who is in charge of Defence for Cameroon.

This information came from a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by Leah Katung-Babatunde, the minister's Special Adviser on media.

Mr Musa said that this MoU is a big step in improving defence cooperation and securing the shared southern border of both countries.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the signing ceremony took place in Yaoundé after two days of serious discussions by defence and security experts from both nations.

The agreement sets up a new framework to tackle emerging threats in both land and sea areas.

The MoU creates a fresh way to work together to secure the land and sea borders along Nigeria and Cameroon and strengthens the long-standing defence ties between the two countries.

Key areas discussed included better operational coordination, sharing intelligence, logistics support, joint military training, personnel exchange programmes, and stronger measures for responding to new security challenges.

The minister also mentioned that this MoU will create a structured way for military cooperation and operations between Nigeria and Cameroon. It will also help formalise efforts to tackle common security issues.

Discussions highlighted the need to put the recently formed Combined Maritime Joint Task Force to work as a key platform for improving maritime security and protecting economic and security interests in the Gulf of Guinea, where both nations play important roles.

The minister also stressed Nigeria’s willingness to enhance collaboration in defence technology and innovation.

He pointed out that one major challenge for African defence development has been the lack of local production of military equipment. He stressed the need to build stronger partnerships within the region.

Mr Musa talked about the opportunities available under Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation framework and reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work together in defence manufacturing, technology transfer, research, innovation, and capacity building.

Mr Assomo also spoke about his interest in boosting cooperation in defence technology and confirmed that a formal proposal is being prepared to set up solid bilateral agreements in defence technology.

This agreement marks an important milestone in Nigeria and Cameroon relations, showing both countries' commitment to lasting peace, regional sovereignty, and working together in defence.