On Saturday, a high-level Nigerian security delegation visited Benghazi, where they agreed with Libyan officials to activate bilateral agreements on intelligence sharing and cooperation against organized crime and human trafficking networks. This visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security ties between Nigeria and Libya.
The Nigerian delegation, led by Interior Minister General Mohamed Toumba, included the Secretary-General, the President’s Special Advisor, the Director of Internal and External Intelligence, and the Commander of the Presidential Guard. They arrived in Benghazi on Friday evening for an official visit aimed at enhancing security cooperation. The delegation was welcomed by Major General Essam Abu Zeriba, Libya’s Interior Minister under the government appointed by the House of Representatives, according to a statement from the Libyan Ministry of Interior.
During their meeting, Abu Zeriba stressed the importance of tightening control over the Libya-Niger border and reactivating joint patrols to combat terrorism, criminal activities, and irregular migration that threaten the stability of both nations and the broader region.
The Nigerian delegation was received with an official ceremony at the Ministry of Interior, attended by senior Libyan security officials, including Lieutenant General Abdelbaset Bougris, Brigadier General Osama Sharafeddine, General Intelligence Chief Major General Suleiman Al-Abbar, Criminal Investigation Chief Major General Salah Houidi, and Chief of the Anti-Illegal Immigration Agency Major General Nouri Al-Saadi.
Both Abu Zeriba and General Toumba emphasized the need for ongoing coordination through diplomatic channels and continued consultations between security officials from both countries.
The shared border between Libya and Niger is a significant concern for both countries due to its vulnerability to human trafficking, arms smuggling, and the movement of extremist groups. The ongoing instability in Libya, combined with challenges in Niger, has made this region a focal point for criminal networks exploiting the lack of security.
Recognizing these challenges, Libya and Niger have been working to strengthen their security cooperation. The flow of migrants through Niger into Libya, many of whom aim to reach Europe, has added urgency to efforts to secure their borders and dismantle trafficking networks.
