The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has urged ECOWAS member states to strengthen regional security cooperation to address emerging threats in West Africa. He made the call during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Staff, ECOWAS Standby Force, Brigadier General Sheik Massaquoi, to the Army Headquarters in Abuja on September 30, 2026. Shaibu emphasized the need for collective action to tackle complex and transnational security threats.
Shaibu identified terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational organised crime as key challenges that require a regional response. He stressed that individual countries cannot effectively tackle these threats in isolation. The COAS called for leveraging collective expertise, operational experience, and understanding of the security environment to develop practical responses to emerging threats.
The COAS advocated for sustained military-to-military cooperation through regular dialogue, intelligence sharing, joint training, and exercises. He also suggested continuous review and harmonization of military doctrines to improve interoperability and operational readiness. These measures, Shaibu believes, will enhance the capacity of regional forces to coordinate responses to security threats.
Brigadier General Massaquoi acknowledged Nigeria's contributions to peacekeeping and regional security in West Africa. He called for strengthening 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 essential to achieving this objective.
Massaquoi sought Nigeria's continued support for efforts to improve the operational effectiveness of the ECOWAS Standby Force. He emphasized the need for a stronger ECOWAS security architecture to support collective security, peace, and stability across the subregion. The ECOWAS Standby Force plays a critical role in promoting regional security and stability.
Lieutenant General 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 aimed at strengthening the ECOWAS security architecture. A stronger regional security framework is critical to protecting populations and safeguarding peace and stability in West Africa.
The meeting between Shaibu and Massaquoi highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing emerging security threats. Both leaders agree that a collective and proactive approach is necessary to tackle the complex security challenges facing West Africa. Strengthening ECOWAS security cooperation will be crucial in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
Key points
- The Chief of Army Staff calls for deeper regional security cooperation among ECOWAS member states.
- The ECOWAS Standby Force seeks to strengthen its capabilities to address emerging threats.
- Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to regional security obligations and cooperation with ECOWAS.
