ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral defence cooperation aimed at strengthening security along their shared southern border and enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
The agreement 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, Mr Joseph Assomo, following two days of discussions involving defence and security experts from both countries.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Musa’s media aide, Leah Katung-Babatunde, the MoU provides a framework for collaboration across land and maritime domains, covering intelligence sharing, operational coordination, logistics support, joint military training, personnel exchange programmes and collective responses to emerging security threats.
“In a major step toward regional stability, the Honourable Minister of Defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, General Christopher Musa (retd.) OFR, 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.
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“The signing ceremony in Yaoundé concluded two days of intensive deliberations by defence and security experts from both nations. The agreement establishes a modernised framework to counter emerging threats across both terrestrial and maritime domains.
“The Memorandum of Understanding establishes a renewed framework for cooperation in securing the terrestrial and maritime domains along the Nigeria–Cameroon southern border and reinforces the long-standing defence relationship between both nations.
“Key areas highlighted during the engagements included enhanced operational coordination, intelligence sharing, logistics support, joint military training, personnel exchange programmes, and strengthened mechanisms for collective response to emerging security challenges,” the statement partly read.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Musa said the agreement “would henceforth provide a structured framework for military cooperation and operations between both countries and further institutionalise collaboration in addressing common security concerns.”
Both countries also discussed the operationalisation of the Combined Maritime Joint Task Force, described as a strategic platform for strengthening maritime security and protecting economic interests within the Gulf of Guinea, where Nigeria and Cameroon play key roles.
On defence industry collaboration, Musa said “one of the enduring challenges confronting African defence capability development has been limited indigenous production of military hardware,” stressing the need for stronger regional partnerships in defence manufacturing.
He highlighted opportunities within Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation framework and reaffirmed the country’s readiness to collaborate in defence production, technology transfer, research and innovation.
In his remarks, Assomo expressed interest in deepening cooperation in defence technology and disclosed that a formal proposal framework was being finalised to advance bilateral arrangements in the sector.
Both governments described the signing as a significant milestone in Nigeria-Cameroon relations and a demonstration of their commitment to regional peace, security and sovereignty.
The agreement comes days after reports that armed Cameroonian soldiers allegedly entered the Danare community in Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, triggering concerns among residents.