Defence Minister, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru, has called for enhanced joint efforts towards countering terrorism, managing cross border crimes and other hybrid threats within the West African sub-region.
Badaru made the call at the opening of the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, on Wednesday in Abuja.
He also called on member states of ECOWAS to work towards enhancing transparency in safeguarding their nations and promoting sustainable development.
Badaru said the meeting would provide a crucial platform to address the collective security challenges facing the West African region and to strategise on the best approaches to ensure peace and stability.
According to him, the security landscape of West Africa is presently marked by both complex challenges and opportunities for cooperation.
“Accordingly, joint efforts towards countering terrorism, managing cross border crimes, hybrid threats, as well as enhancing transparency are vital to subguarding our nations and promoting sustainable development.
“Therefore, this meeting is particularly apt considering the world’s security paradigms and the emerging threats that confront us.
“You will all agree with me that we are currently faced with various levels of security threats in our daily lives which requires consulted and unified response.
“With this in mind, it becomes obvious that it is only through our collective strengths and shared expertise that we can effectively address those issues and work towards lasting solutions,’’ he said.
The minister said that countries must continue to consider greater collaboration, share vital intelligence and coordinate their strategies to address the common threats.
He said that the ability of the nations to operate as a cohesive and responsive force was essential for maintaining regional stability.
“We must and should also collaborate with our partners to leverage their expertise, resources and intelligence in our efforts to tackle those threats.
“Consequently, I encourage us all to engage in open and consulting guidelines, share our experiences and insight through working together towards innovative solutions.
“Our discussions over the coming years will undoubtedly strengthen our security cooperation and enhance international defence opportunities,’’ he added.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, said the meeting was a further testament of the collective and resolute commitment of ECOWAS to the peace, security and stability of the region.
Tuggar said that the armed forces played key roles in developing new strategies and coordinate regional security, ensuring peace, stability and effective responses to emerging threats.
He urged them to deeply reflect on the rapidly evolving complex security situation, ranging from violence, terrorism and insurgency to organised crime and piracy.
He said that the recent unconstitutional changes in government had revealed the fragile nature of democratic institutions and the urgency for robust and coordinated responses.
“As such, the success of this force is necessary for our region to effectively address the current political challenges.
“The illicit movement of small arms and light weapons in our region has reached alarming levels.
“We must, therefore, develop new mechanisms to complement the existing ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons to effectively prevent further proliferation of these weapons.
“I urge the Committee to formulate recommendations to tackle this menace.
“Rest assured that once your recommendations are presented to the Mediation and Security Council at the ministerial level, they will also receive the highest priorities,”he said.
The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, ECOWAS, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, said that directives were issued to this committee following the forceful takeover of government in Niger in 2023.
Musa said the defence chiefs were directed to take all necessary measures, including the activation of the standby force to restore constitutional order by force, if necessary in the Republic of Niger.
He said that while the preparation for the kinetic operation was in progress, diplomatic channels were equally explored, adding that the diplomatic efforts were given priority.
According to him, the activities of terrorist armed groups and violent instrument groups, inter-communal conflicts as well as transnational organised crime networks have continued to undermine peace and security in our region.
“It is also to be noted that the littoral states continue to bend the pressure of terrorists from the Sahel, exemplified by the recent incursions of terrorists into Northern Togo and Northern Benin respectively.
“It is my fervent hope that deliberations and recommendations of this meeting will further energise and galvanise the region to give further impetus to on-going uncertain actions.
“To strengthen our collective resolved for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous ECOWAS states,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by the Nigerian Ministers of Defence, Foreign Affairs and Interior as well as other service chiefs.
Also, the Chairman of Senate and House Committee on Defence, Sen. Ahmed Lawan and Babajimi Benson, also attended. (NAN)
