Nigerian Army Chief Urges Deeper ECOWAS Security Cooperation Against Regional Threats
Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has called for closer security collaboration and more robust defence ties among member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to better address both current and emerging threats in the subregion.
The appeal came on Tuesday when the Chief of Staff of the ECOWAS Standby Force, Brig-Gen. Sheikh Massaquoi, brought a delegation to the Army Headquarters in Abuja on a courtesy visit.
In a statement issued by Army spokesperson Col. Appolonia Anele, the COAS noted that today's security threats are increasingly intricate, linked across borders and transnational in character, making cooperation among regional countries essential.
He emphasised that terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and other cross-border dangers cannot be tackled effectively by any single country operating alone, adding that West African nations achieve more when they pursue the subregion's security collectively.
Lt-Gen. Shaibu therefore highlighted the importance of military leaders in the region drawing on their combined professional knowledge, operational experience and common understanding of the security landscape to devise practical responses to emerging threats.
He further stated that such cooperation would help military authorities offer well-informed, actionable professional guidance to political leaders in support of regional peace and stability.
The COAS also stressed the value of sustained military-to-military engagement through regular dialogue, intelligence sharing, joint training and exercises, as well as ongoing review and harmonisation of doctrines.
According to him, these steps are necessary for improving interoperability, operational readiness and the ability of regional forces to plan, coordinate and respond jointly to contemporary security challenges.
He restated the Nigerian Army's dedication to Nigeria's regional security commitments and promised the delegation continued backing for efforts aimed at reinforcing the ECOWAS security architecture.
In his view, a functional and responsive regional security framework is indispensable for protecting peace, safeguarding populations and establishing the stability needed for sustainable development throughout West Africa.
Speaking earlier, Brig-Gen. Massaquoi recognised Nigeria's long-standing role in peacekeeping, regional security and defence cooperation across West Africa.
He underlined the need to transform the ECOWAS Standby Force into a more proactive, interoperable and responsive regional security capability able to confront evolving threats.
He listed updated military doctrines, improved joint training and exercises, and stronger defence partnerships among member states as key to realising that goal.
Brig-Gen. Massaquoi also requested Nigeria's continued support to boost the operational effectiveness of the ECOWAS Standby Force and enhance its ability to carry out its mandate in support of collective security, peace and stability in the subregion.
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