The 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 safeguarding 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 require consultation and unified response.”
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 the 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 while the preparation for the kinetic operation was in progress, diplomatic channels were equally explored, adding that the diplomatic efforts were given priority.
