The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening regional security, pledging continued support for collective defence efforts within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, made this commitment during a gala night in Abuja, held in honour of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) from ECOWAS member nations. The event was hosted by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, who also chairs the ECOWAS CCDS.
In a statement released by his media aide, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Matawalle emphasized the pressing security challenges facing the region, including terrorism, violent extremism, maritime insecurity, and transnational organised crime. He stressed the need for a unified regional approach to tackling these threats.
“Our region stands at a critical crossroads. No single nation can afford to confront these threats in isolation,” he said.
“We must continue to forge a unified front—through timely intelligence sharing, harmonised operational strategies, and enhanced force capabilities—to neutralise threats and uphold regional peace and stability.”
Matawalle reiterated Nigeria’s full support for the operationalisation of ECOWAS security frameworks and regional standby mechanisms.
He called on defence chiefs across the subregion to enhance interoperability, professionalism, and collective force posture.
“As defence partners, we bear the collective responsibility—and possess the shared capability—to build a stronger, safer, and more secure West Africa,” he said.
