The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has called for stronger security cooperation among ECOWAS member states to enhance their collective defence capabilities.
His appeal came during the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, held in Abuja.
The Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, disclosed that the meeting, which commenced yesterday, gathered top military leaders from across West Africa to address the region’s most pressing security challenges.
“Badaru emphasized the significance of collective efforts in combating terrorism, cross-border crimes, and hybrid threats, stressing the need for enhanced regional security cooperation to safeguard nations and promote sustainable development,” Ogubike stated.
The Minister highlighted key topics for discussion at the meeting, including the proposed ECOWAS Security Support Mission in Sierra Leone, ongoing peace operations, and the operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force.
He also encouraged open dialogue, shared expertise, and collaborative solutions to strengthen the region’s defence capabilities.
Reaffirming the commitment to achieving peace and security in West Africa, Badaru noted that the region’s security landscape is currently marked by complex challenges, underscoring the importance of joint efforts in countering terrorism and managing cross-border crimes.
