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ECOWAS activates standby force to tackle terrorism
The Economic Community of West African States has activated its standby force to combat terrorism in the sub-region.
The regional body had, in October last year, hinted at the establishment of a 5,000-man kinetic force to tackle terrorism in the region.
Speaking at the 43rd ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, said the activation of this force underscores the collective determination of member countries to confront the threat of terrorism.
He said, “Central to our discussions in the coming days are pressing issues concerning the ECOWAS Standby Force, ECOWAS peace support operations, as well as maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. I am confident that our deliberations will be marked by a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and determination as we work toward drafting a comprehensive strategy to address the security challenges in the subregion.
“By leveraging our collective expertise, resources, and commitment, we can make a tangible impact on fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the sub-region.
“In this regard, I am pleased to announce the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force to combat terrorism in the sub-region. This activation underscores our collective determination to confront the threat of terrorism and ensure the security of the subregion.
“With regard to security and ensuring the safety of our citizens, let me express my profound gratitude to each of you for your ongoing dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the security and well-being of our people. Let us approach our deliberations with a sense of purpose, unity, and resolve, knowing that we have the power to shape a more secure and prosperous future for our subregion.”
The ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, said that despite the recent withdrawal of three African countries from the regional body, ECOWAS would maintain the free movement of persons and goods for their citizens.
He also said plans were in place to mitigate the unforeseen consequences of the withdrawal of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
He stated, “As you are aware, on January 29, 2025, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formally withdrew their membership from ECOWAS. Following the directives of the Authority of Heads of State and Government at the last summit in December 2024, the ECOWAS Commission has now initiated a contingency plan to mitigate the unforeseen consequences of their withdrawal. Therefore, I call on you to critically examine the implications of their withdrawal on regional security in the course of your deliberations.
“I also wish to stress that ECOWAS still has its doors open to welcome back our brothers and sisters from the three countries that recently withdrew from our community.
“In this regard, the ECOWAS Committee of Heads of State has directed that, despite the withdrawal, ECOWAS must maintain the free movement of people and goods, as well as the right of settlement and establishment, for all citizens of our community, including those from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. This aligns with ECOWAS’ vision of building a united community, ensuring that ordinary citizens of our member states do not suffer.”
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said military leaders were aware that without a secure and conducive environment, economic growth and development would continue to elude the region.
Musa called on military chiefs to support political leadership by ensuring a secure environment for economic development to thrive.
He said, “The complexity of the security landscape demands that we leverage our collective expertise, and intelligence assets, and coordinate our efforts across borders if we must solve these challenges. The world has become a global village, and the gap between us is shrinking even more. Thus, collaboration is paramount and imperative to address both the root causes and symptoms of insecurity in our region.
“Some of the critical areas under discussion include the proposed review of pledges for the ECOWAS Standby Force, consideration of pledges for the ECOWAS Standby Force Counter Terrorist Brigade, and the rotation of staff officers of Peace Support Operations Divisions and the ECOWAS Standby Force, as well as maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
“Others include the presentation of the outcome of the Governmental Experts Meeting on the ECOWAS Logistics Concept and the Standing Operating Procedures for the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi.”
Solomon Odeniyi
The PUNCH journalist, Solomon, has five years experience covering crime, judiciary and defence beats.
The Arewa Revival Project (ARP) has rejected the 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, over the controversy surrounding the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Hon. Muttaka Ahmed Ibrahim, the Project Coordinator ARP at a media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja said they believe the approach taken by the AYAGL is troubling and an affront to the nation’s democratic processes.
“Such ultimatums disregard established rules and incite unnecessary tension. We urge all concerned citizens to adopt more responsible and peaceful avenues for resolving grievances,” Ibrahim said.
AYAGL’s Speaker, Abdul Danbature, had accused Akpabio of waging a ‘political war’ against the north, citing the suspension of Akpoti-Uduaghan as evidence of bias against northern lawmakers. Danbature threatened mass protests and the occupation of the National Assembly if their demands were not met.
However, the ARP noted the importance of constructive dialogue and legal channels in addressing political issues.
He said, “Threats of protests and disruptive actions will not resolve political issues but can escalate tensions and weaken democratic structures.”
He also called for a transparent investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, free from political interference.
“Violence is never an acceptable political strategy and should never be tolerated by any responsible leader or institution. We urge all Northern-based NGOs and CSOs to remain impartial and focused on their mission of serving the people.
“The allegations raised by Senator Natasha must be thoroughly investigated through a transparent and impartial process. However, such an investigation must be free of political interference, and all parties involved must allow the truth to come to light without succumbing to undue pressure or sensationalism.
“This will ensure justice and accountability in a manner that upholds the dignity of all those involved, while protecting the sanctity of our democratic institutions. The Arewa Revival Project calls on all politicians, past and present, to understand that true leadership is about service to the people, not the pursuit of personal interests or political vendettas.
“Political leaders must put the nation above their ambitions and engage in actions that support the greater good of the people they represent. Leaders who fail to contribute meaningfully to national progress should step aside and allow those who are committed to serving the nation to do so without unnecessary distractions,” Ibrahim stated.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has disclosed that 52 per cent of the ongoing road construction projects initiated by the current administration are concentrated in northern Nigeria.
Umahi also commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the necessary funding, as well as providing leadership for the construction of the 1068-kilometre Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway.
He made this known during an inspection of a segment of the 258-kilometre, 3-lane Carriageway (Section 2, Phase 2A: CH 120+000-CH 378+000) in Gulumbe, Kebbi State, which represents a significant portion of the 1,068-kilometre Super Highway.
He explained that the focus on the northern region aligns with the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure across the country.
A statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, on Wednesday, said the minister revealed that the four legacy road projects initiated by Tinubu encompass all six geopolitical zones of the country.
The statement read, “When aggregated, the Northern zones account for 52 per cent of the road projects currently ongoing across the country. The president is working everywhere in the country.
“This is a true reflection of Mr President’s stance that every region of this country matters, and no region should be left behind or shortchanged.”
He also pointed out that the concept for the ambitious Coastal Highway project, which stretches from Lagos to Calabar, was first envisioned by the President during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State almost twenty-five years ago, describing its realisation as the fulfilment of a long-held dream that has now become a reality under his leadership.
In his address, the governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, expressed his gratitude to the President for his support and the numerous projects being executed in the state.
Idris emphasised that the inspection underscores the Administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure and transportation as vital enablers of growth, as outlined in the eight-point Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of State, Bello Goronyo, stated that the project “is a promise kept by the President and that the road must be completed.”
“Mr President is passionate about the welfare of every Nigerian, regardless of their origin,” Goronyo added.
Also at the event, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Abubakar Bagudu stated, “As we all know, the world is no longer building infrastructure solely through government funding but exploring innovative financing models. Mr. President, having invested in relationships, both in Nigeria and abroad, finds it easier to engage individuals and partners willing to contribute to funding these massive endeavours.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Works, Olufunsho Adebiyi, welcomed dignitaries to the project site, promising that, “By the time you are here again, you will see it at a different level.”
Also present during the inspection tour was a former Governor of Kebbi State, H.E. (Sen.) Usman Dakingari; Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Usman Ankwai; SSA-P on Community Engagement for the North West Zone, Hon. Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai; SSG of Kebbi State, Alh. Yakubu Bala Tafida; Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr. Abdullahi Umar Farouk; MD/CEO of Hitech Africa Construction Limited, Mr. Dany Abboud, and many others.
By Amina Samuel, Kaduna
Leading organisations across Kaduna State came together in a powerful show of solidarity to mark this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations.
The event, held at the Jam’iyyar Matan Arewa Secretariat, focused on the theme “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment,” with a call to “Accelerate Action” to advance gender equality.
The gathering underscored a collective commitment to legal awareness, economic empowerment, and advocacy efforts aimed at improving women’s access to justice, financial independence, and leadership opportunities.
In a statement signed by Saadatu Hamma of the Kaduna Multi-Door Courthouse, speaking on behalf of the IWD 2025 collaboration partners, the event featured a series of key discussions, including advocacy sessions, legal awareness programmes, and policy dialogues.
Empowering Women Through Key Discussions
During the Legal Awareness & Access to Justice session, experts from the legal and dispute resolution sectors educated women on their rights and the role of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in addressing matrimonial, inheritance, and workplace conflicts.
On Economic Empowerment, business and entrepreneurship discussions provided women with practical tools to navigate financial challenges, particularly in light of the current economic climate.
The role of the media in advancing women’s rights was also a focus, as journalists and media organisations played a key part in Media & Advocacy, ensuring that critical gender-related issues remain at the forefront of public discourse.
Additionally, Community Engagement was a core component of the celebration, fostering connections between organisations and grassroots initiatives to reinforce a strong support network for women in Kaduna.
This year’s IWD celebrations in Kaduna demonstrated the power of partnerships in driving real change. Each participating organisation brought unique expertise, resources, and advocacy efforts to the table, ensuring that the message of empowerment reached diverse communities.