August 07, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, on Wednesday, called on the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, to strengthen their security cooperation to enhance regional defence capabilities against any security threat.
A press statement signed by Henshaw Ogubike, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, said Badaru spoke at the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja.
The Minister, who emphasised the significance of collective efforts in combating terrorism, cross-border crimes and hybrid threats, stressed the need for enhanced regional security cooperation to safeguard nations and promote sustainable development.
According to him, the meeting will focus on critical issues, including the proposed ECOWAS Security Support Mission in Sierra Leone, ongoing peace operations, and the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Standby Force.
The Minister encouraged open dialogue, shared expertise, and collaborative solutions to strengthen security cooperation and enhance regional defence capabilities.
While he reaffirmed the commitment to achieving peace and security in West Africa, the Minister said the security landscape of West Africa is presently marked by both complex challenges and called for joint efforts towards countering terrorism, managing cross-border crimes among others in the region.
