ECOWAS Activates Standby Force to Combat Terrorism and Trans-border Crimes

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has activated its Standby Force to tackle terrorism and other transborder criminal activities across the subregion.

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, made the announcement during the 43rd edition of the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence meeting, which took place in Abuja on Tuesday. The meeting was attended by Chiefs of Defence Staff from ECOWAS countries, excluding Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, who have recently withdrawn from the subregional body.

Badaru emphasized that the meeting highlighted the shared commitment of member nations to addressing the pressing security challenges in West Africa. “My charge this morning to you all is to take advantage of this gathering and mobilize against these threats,” he said. He also underscored the importance of collaboration in drafting a comprehensive strategy to enhance security in the region.

He announced the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force, which aims to combat terrorism and other regional security concerns. “This activation underscores our collective determination to confront the terrorism threats in our region and ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” Badaru added.

Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, also addressed the gathering, stating that despite the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, ECOWAS will maintain the free movement of persons and goods across member states. He urged the meeting participants to consider the implications of these withdrawals on regional security and to devise a plan to mitigate any adverse consequences.

Musah also reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to welcoming back the three countries that withdrew, noting that the organization continues to value unity and cooperation. He stressed that despite the political withdrawals, ECOWAS remains committed to ensuring the well-being of its citizens and to maintaining an open-door policy for regional peacebuilding.

The meeting’s agenda focused on key areas such as the review of pledges for the ECOWAS Standby Force, including the creation of a counterterrorist brigade, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and logistics operations for peace support across the region. The meeting also addressed the need for enhanced cooperation and information sharing among member states to tackle the complex and transnational nature of regional security threats.

General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, welcomed the participants, emphasizing that the meeting represented a collective drive to address the diverse security challenges facing the region. “The complexity of our security landscape requires that we leverage our collective expertise, intelligence assets, and coordinate efforts across borders,” he said.

Musa stressed the importance of creating a secure environment to foster economic growth, underscoring that security is the foundation for development in West Africa. He called for military forces across the region to support political leadership in ensuring a conducive environment for sustainable progress.

The meeting also included discussions on the operational readiness of the ECOWAS Standby Force, including the review of logistics, equipment standardization, and the rotation of staff officers. Other key figures attending the meeting included the Chiefs of Army Staff, Naval Staff, and Air Staff from ECOWAS member states, as well as the Chief of Defence Intelligence.

As ECOWAS strengthens its collective security efforts, the activation of the Standby Force marks a significant step in the region’s commitment to combating terrorism, organized crime, and ensuring the safety and prosperity of its citizens.