ECOWAS Chiefs Of Defence Staff Synergise To Tackle Growing Terror Threats Amidst Regional Uncertainty
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As insecurity keeps mounting in West Africa, top military leaders have gathered in Abuja for the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) to brainstorm on the way forward.
Their discussions dwelt on the escalating threat of terrorism and the ripple effects of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s withdrawal from the regional bloc.
The meeting, brings together top military officials and security experts to assess the region’s defence strategies.
In his opening speech, Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, harped on the need for stronger collaboration and shared expertise to combat insecurity.
The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, on the other hand, warned of the increasing activities of terrorist groups and organised crime syndicates, calling for a reassessment of the region’s security framework.
Discussions will also cover the rotation of ECOWAS Standby Force officers, the operationalisation of logistics depots, and ongoing peace missions in The Gambia and Guinea Bissau.
ECOWAS also donated IT equipment to Nigeria’s National Defence College, reinforcing its commitment to strengthening regional military capabilities.
