By Nkechi Eze
West African military leaders are exploring the creation of an ECOWAS counter-terrorism brigade, as part of a broader effort to enhance regional security. This initiative aims to tackle the growing threat of terrorism in the subregion. The proposed brigade is just one of several measures being considered, including the review of pledges for the ECOWAS Standby Force and maritime security operations in the Gulf of Guinea.
General Christopher Musa Gwabin, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff and Chairman of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, revealed key plans during the closing ceremony of the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja today.
“As we wrap up the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of the Chiefs of Defence Staff, I am delighted to note that this meeting has been most rewarding.
“Deliberations have been sincere and forthright, with our collective security being accorded the desired priority.
“In the course of our deliberations, we identified critical vulnerabilities to regional security and demonstrated our firm resolve towards addressing these threats.
“As expected, there were areas of concern between members, but more importantly, there was a firm resolve on the need for collective action.
“This is the spirit of this gathering, which is firmly rooted in a resolute commitment to meeting our primary obligation as members of the armed and defence forces of our respective countries, which is to defend and protect our peoples from harm and insecurities.” He said.
Gen. Musa noted that over the past days, they have deliberated on critical security concerns in the West African subregion.
“Some of these areas include the review of pledges for the ECOWAS Standby Force, consideration of pledges for the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorist Brigade, and the rotation of Staff Officers of Peace Support Operation Divisions and the ECOWAS Standby Force.
“Others were the presentation on the outcome of the Governmental Experts Meeting on the ECOWAS Logistics Concept and Standing Operating Procedures for the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi. The meeting also provided an opportunity to review the report of the last ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Naval Staff Meeting.
“It is with great pleasure and honour that I stand before you all to deliver these closing remarks on the occasion of the closing of the 43rd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of the Chiefs of Defence Staff.
“Our gathering over the past three days has been geared towards promoting regional security and cooperation within the ECOWAS Community and forging a common front in addressing our security challenges.
“I wish to thank the Chairman of ECOWAS Heads of States and Government, President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, for his leadership and support in making this meeting a reality. I also wish to thank the Minister of Defence for his presence and support for this meeting.
“I am indeed grateful to all the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff from Benin Republic, Cape Verde, La Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo who took time out of their busy schedules to grace this meeting. The task ahead of us is daunting, but with our collective resolve, we shall overcome.” He said.
The event’s highlight was the presentation of souvenirs to ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence staff and military supporters who attended the meeting, serving as a token of appreciation for their presence.
