Army Chief Advocates Stronger Regional Cooperation To Tackle Contemporary Threats

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shaibu has canvassed deeper regional security cooperation and stronger defence partnerships among Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states to effectively confront contemporary and emerging security challenges across the subregion.

He made the call yesterday when the chief of staff of the ECOWAS Standby Force, Brig-Gen. Sheikh Massaquoi, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

The COAS, in a statement by the Army spokesperson, Col. Appolonia Anele, observed that the increasingly complex, interconnected and transnational nature of contemporary security threats demands greater collaboration among countries in the region.

He stressed that terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and other cross-border security threats could not be effectively addressed by individual nations acting in isolation, noting that West African countries are stronger when they work collectively towards securing the subregion.

Lieutenant General Shaibu therefore underscored the need for military leaders across the region to leverage their collective professional expertise, operational experience, and shared understanding of the security environment to develop practical strategies to address emerging threats.

He added that such collaboration would also enable military authorities to provide informed, actionable professional advice to political leaders to support regional peace and stability.

The COAS further emphasised the importance of sustained military-to-military cooperation through regular dialogue, intelligence sharing, joint training and exercises, and the continuous review and harmonisation of doctrines.

He noted that these measures are essential to improving interoperability, operational readiness and the capacity of regional forces to plan, coordinate and respond collectively to contemporary security challenges.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to Nigeria’s regional security obligations and assured the delegation of continued support for initiatives to strengthen the ECOWAS security architecture.

According to him, an effective and responsive regional security framework remains critical to safeguarding peace, protecting populations and creating the stability required for sustainable development across West Africa.

Earlier, Brigadier General Massaquoi acknowledged Nigeria’s longstanding contributions to peacekeeping, regional security and defence cooperation in West Africa.

He stressed the need to strengthen the ECOWAS Standby Force into a more proactive, interoperable and responsive regional security capability capable of addressing evolving threats.

He identified updated military doctrines, enhanced joint training and exercises, and stronger defence partnerships among member states as critical to achieving this objective.

Brigadier General Massaquoi also solicited Nigeria’s continued support to enhance the operational effectiveness of the ECOWAS Standby Force and strengthen its capacity to discharge its mandate in support of collective security, peace, and stability across the subregion.