Badaru Advocates for the Enhancement of ECOWAS Security Collaboration to Boost Defense Capabilities.

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru CON, has urged the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to bolster their collaborative security efforts, aiming to improve their defense capabilities in response to potential security threats.

The Minister made the call during the 42nd Ordinary Meeting of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff in Abuja.

The meeting which started yesterday brought together top military leaders from West Africa to address the region’s pressing security concerns.

Badaru emphasized the significance of collective efforts in combating terrorism, cross-border crimes, and hybrid threats, stressing 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 operationalization 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 amongst others in the region.