Nigeria, Cameroon Sign Defence Pact to Strengthen Border and Maritime Security

Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a new defence cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening security along their shared southern border and improving maritime protection in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Yaoundé on Wednesday by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), and Cameroon’s Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Assomo.

The agreement followed two days of discussions between defence and security experts from both countries. It is expected to provide a stronger framework for joint action against security threats affecting the land and maritime borders of both nations.

According to a statement issued by Musa’s media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the pact covers several areas of cooperation, including intelligence sharing, operational coordination, logistics support, joint military training, personnel exchange programmes, and collective response to emerging security challenges.

The agreement is also expected to deepen the long-standing defence relationship between Nigeria and Cameroon, especially at a time when border security remains a major concern for both countries.

The statement described the signing as a major step toward regional stability, noting that the new framework would help both countries respond more effectively to threats across land and sea.

It said the MoU creates a renewed structure for securing the terrestrial and maritime domains along the Nigeria-Cameroon southern border, while also strengthening cooperation between their defence institutions.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Musa said the agreement would provide a more organised structure for military cooperation and operations between the two countries.

He said it would also help institutionalise collaboration in addressing shared security concerns, especially those affecting communities around the border and the wider Gulf of Guinea.

Both countries also discussed plans to operationalise the Combined Maritime Joint Task Force, a platform designed to improve maritime security and protect economic interests in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Gulf of Guinea remains one of Africa’s most important maritime corridors, with Nigeria and Cameroon playing key roles in trade, energy, and regional security. The area has also faced threats such as piracy, illegal fishing, smuggling, and other maritime crimes.

Beyond border and maritime security, the two countries also explored opportunities for defence industry cooperation.

Musa said one of the major challenges facing African defence capability is the limited local production of military equipment. He said African countries must strengthen regional partnerships in defence manufacturing, technology transfer, research, and innovation.

He pointed to Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation as one of the platforms through which such cooperation could be deepened. According to him, Nigeria remains open to collaboration with Cameroon in building stronger defence production capacity.

In his response, Assomo expressed Cameroon’s interest in advancing defence technology cooperation with Nigeria. He said a formal proposal framework was being finalised to give clearer structure to future bilateral arrangements in that area.

Both governments described the signing as a significant milestone in Nigeria-Cameroon relations. They said it reflects a shared commitment to protecting sovereignty, promoting peace, and improving regional stability.

The agreement also comes at a sensitive time. Days before the signing, armed Cameroonian soldiers were alleged to have entered Danare community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, causing panic among residents.

The new pact is therefore expected to help both countries strengthen communication, reduce tension along the border, and improve coordinated responses to incidents that may threaten peace in border communities.