By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
Nigeria is taking decisive steps to fortify regional security with a **comprehensive and sustainable strategy** to combat terrorism, organized crime, and other emerging threats in the West African sub-region.
The Minister of Defense, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, made this announcement during the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja. He emphasized that the region’s security challenges demand urgent collective action and a unified front** among member states.
In a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Mati Ali, Badaru warned that West Africa’s growing vulnerabilities fueled by terrorism, cybercrime, climate change, and organized crime require a cohesive and proactive approach.
“The time for fragmented responses is over. We must strengthen our bonds, build resilience, and ensure no nation in ECOWAS stands alone in the face of these threats,” he stated.
Strategic Measures Unveiled included the ECOWAS Standby Force Activated to enhance the region’s counterterrorism efforts, Nigeria has backed the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force, a key regional military response unit and Focus on Maritime Security with discussions that will prioritize securing the Gulf of Guinea, a major global trade route frequently threatened by piracy and smuggling.
Others are Peace Support & Counter-Insurgency where ECOWAS defense chiefs will refine peace support operations to stabilize conflict-prone areas and Economic and Security Synergy
Badaru underscored that sustainable peace is the foundation for economic prosperity, urging a holistic approach that integrates security with development.
Commending the Chiefs of Defence Staff for their professionalism and commitment, Badaru urged them to seize this moment to craft long-term solutions that will safeguard the future of West Africa.
“We are only as strong as our weakest link. Our region’s security must be a shared priority, and our resolve must be unwavering,” he concluded.