The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation among Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states to tackle contemporary security challenges. He made this call during a courtesy visit by the chief of staff of the ECOWAS Standby Force, Brig-Gen. Sheikh Massaquoi, and his delegation to the Army Headquarters in Abuja. Shaibu stressed that collective action is crucial in addressing transnational threats.
Lt-Gen. Shaibu noted that the complex and interconnected nature of modern security threats demands greater collaboration among regional countries. He identified terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organized crime as some of the threats that require a collective response. According to him, West African countries are stronger when they work together to secure the subregion. This, he believes, will enable them to develop practical strategies to address emerging threats.
The COAS underscored the importance of military leaders in the region leveraging their collective expertise, operational experience, and shared understanding of the security environment. This, he said, will enable them to provide informed advice to political leaders to support regional peace and stability. He also emphasized the need for sustained military-to-military cooperation through regular dialogue, intelligence sharing, and joint training exercises.
Lt-Gen. Shaibu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army's commitment to Nigeria's regional security obligations. He assured the ECOWAS Standby Force delegation of continued support for initiatives to strengthen the ECOWAS security architecture. According to him, a responsive regional security framework is critical to safeguarding peace, protecting populations, and creating stability for sustainable development across West Africa.
Brig-Gen. Sheikh Massaquoi acknowledged Nigeria's contributions to peacekeeping, regional security, and defence cooperation in West Africa. He stressed the need to strengthen the ECOWAS Standby Force into a more proactive and responsive regional security capability. Massaquoi identified updated military doctrines, enhanced joint training, and stronger defence partnerships as critical to achieving this objective.
The chief of staff of the ECOWAS Standby Force solicited Nigeria's continued support to enhance the operational effectiveness of the ECOWAS Standby Force. He emphasized the need to strengthen its capacity to discharge its mandate in support of collective security, peace, and stability across the subregion. This, he believes, will enable the Force to address evolving threats effectively.
The Nigerian Army and ECOWAS Standby Force are working together to strengthen regional security. The two organizations recognize the importance of collective action in addressing emerging threats. They are committed to enhancing their cooperation to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development in West Africa.
Key points
- Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu calls for deeper regional security cooperation among ECOWAS member states.
- The COAS emphasizes the need for sustained military-to-military cooperation.
- Brig-Gen. Sheikh Massaquoi solicits Nigeria's continued support for the ECOWAS Standby Force.
