In a significant move to bolster regional security and stability, Nigeria and Cameroon have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening defence cooperation and securing their shared southern border.
The agreement was signed in Yaoundé by Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (rtd), and Cameroon’s Minister Delegate at the Presidency in Charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, following two days of deliberations by defence and security experts from both countries.
The MoU provides a renewed framework for cooperation in securing both terrestrial and maritime domains along the Nigeria–Cameroon southern border, while reinforcing the long-standing defence partnership between the two neighbouring nations.
Key areas of collaboration include enhanced operational coordination, intelligence sharing, logistics support, joint military training, personnel exchange programmes, and improved mechanisms for responding to emerging security threats.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, General Musa said the agreement would provide a structured framework for military cooperation and joint operations, while institutionalising efforts to address shared security challenges.
Both countries also stressed the importance of operationalising the recently established Combined Maritime Joint Task Force to strengthen maritime security and protect strategic interests in the Gulf of Guinea.
On defence industrial cooperation, the Nigerian Defence Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deeper collaboration in defence technology, innovation, research, capacity development, and military hardware production through the Defence Industries Corporation framework.
In his remarks, Assomo expressed Cameroon’s interest in expanding cooperation in defence innovation and technology, revealing that a formal proposal framework is being finalised to advance bilateral defence technology partnerships.
The agreement marks another milestone in Nigeria–Cameroon relations and underscores both countries’ commitment to sustainable peace, regional sovereignty, and collective security.
