The Economic Community of Africa State (ECOWAS) Tuesday activated its Standby Force to curb terrorism and other transborder crimes in the subregion.
Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, announced this during the 43rd edition of the ordinary meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of the Chiefs of Defence, in Abuja.
The meeting was attended by Chief of Defence Staff of ECOWAS countries, except Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger,which had withdrawn from the subregional body.
Others at the meeting were the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security, Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, Chief of Defence Intelligence, Emmanuel Undiandeye, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and members of the diplomatic community.
Badaru said the meeting underscores their shared commitments for addressing the critical security challenges confronting the sub-region.
He said: “My charge this morning to you all is for you to take advantage of this gathering and mobilise against those threats and focus with a view to deny terror…
“Central to the discussion in the coming days as regards pressing issues concerning the ecowas standby force, ECOWAS peace support operation as well as maritime security in the Golf of Guinea. I am confident that our deliberation will be matched by spirit of collaboration, innovation and determination as we work towards drafting a comprehensive strategy to address the security challenges in the subregion.”
The minister stated further that by leveraging their collective expertise, resources and commitment they can make a tangible impact on fostering peace, stability and prosperity in the subregion.
“In this regard, I am pleased to announce the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force to combat terrorism in the sub region,” Badaru said.
“The activation of this force underscores our collective determination to confront the stretch of terrorism with regards to the security of the sub region.”