Nigeria and Burkina Faso have agreed to strengthen cooperation in tackling terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organised crime amid growing security challenges in the West African region.
The commitment followed a meeting between Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister, Rimtalba Ouédraogo, and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the country, Syndoph Endoni, in Ouagadougou.
A statement issued in Abuja said both countries recognised the need for closer coordination, intelligence sharing and stronger institutional collaboration to address common security threats and promote regional peace and stability.
During the meeting, Ouédraogo acknowledged the longstanding ties between Nigeria and Burkina Faso, describing the relationship as one that required sustained efforts to strengthen.
He said both countries faced common challenges that demanded greater cooperation, mutual understanding and regular high-level engagement.
The prime minister also expressed Burkina Faso’s readiness to work closely with Nigeria to strengthen their historic relationship and advance shared interests.
Security and defence cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides identifying terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organised crime as major threats requiring coordinated responses.
They emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing, institutional partnerships and closer operational coordination to improve efforts against criminal networks and other security threats.
The discussions also highlighted the role of economic cooperation in supporting security initiatives, particularly through improved livelihoods and the creation of sustainable opportunities for citizens.
In his remarks, Endoni reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to initiatives that would strengthen bilateral relations and promote mutually beneficial opportunities for both countries.
He stressed that security and development should be pursued together, noting that stronger economic and agricultural partnerships could improve food security, support livelihoods and complement counter-terrorism efforts.
The Nigerian ambassador also underscored the importance of closer engagement among government institutions and private-sector players in both countries.
He said the meeting provided an opportunity to establish a broader framework for revitalising cooperation between Nigeria and Burkina Faso across several areas of mutual interest.
Both countries expressed interest in holding more regular consultations on security, defence, agriculture, economic relations and people-to-people exchanges.
They said sustained institutional engagement would help address shared security challenges while expanding economic and social cooperation.
The meeting reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and Burkina Faso and their shared commitment to promoting a more secure and prosperous West Africa.
