Nigeria, Cameroon Deepen Defence Ties With New Security Cooperation Agreement

Nigeria, Cameroon Deepen Defence Ties With New Security Cooperation Agreemen
Nigeria and Cameroon have strengthened their security partnership by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing border protection and maritime security along their shared southern frontier and the Gulf of Guinea.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday in Yaoundé by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), and Cameroon’s Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Assomo, after two days of discussions involving defence and security officials from both countries.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence, the pact establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation in addressing security challenges across land and maritime domains.
The agreement covers key areas such as intelligence sharing, operational coordination, logistics support, joint military exercises, personnel exchange programmes, and coordinated responses to emerging threats.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, General Musa described the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening military collaboration between both nations and promoting regional stability.
He noted that the MoU would provide a structured platform for joint operations and institutionalise cooperation in tackling common security concerns affecting both countries.
“The agreement will further strengthen military cooperation and enhance our collective capacity to address shared security challenges,” Musa said.
Both countries also discussed plans to operationalise the Combined Maritime Joint Task Force, a regional initiative designed to improve maritime security and protect economic interests in the Gulf of Guinea, a strategic waterway for both nations.
On defence industry collaboration, Musa highlighted the need for African countries to boost indigenous military production through stronger regional partnerships. He pointed to opportunities under Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation framework and expressed Nigeria’s readiness to cooperate in defence manufacturing, technology transfer, research, and innovation.
In response, Assomo welcomed deeper collaboration in defence technology and disclosed that Cameroon was finalising a proposal framework to advance bilateral arrangements in the sector.
Officials from both countries described the agreement as a major milestone in Nigeria-Cameroon relations, underscoring their commitment to regional peace, security, and the protection of national sovereignty.
The signing comes amid heightened attention to border security following reports that armed Cameroonian soldiers recently crossed into the Danare community in Cross River State’s Boki Local Government Area, triggering concerns among residents.