The Special Adviser to Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto on Security Matters, retired Col. Ahmed Usman, has called for stronger regional cooperation among ECOWAS member-states to tackle emerging security threats.
Usman made the call in a statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto on Thursday.
The adviser spoke in support of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu’s call for deeper security collaboration among countries in the sub-region.
He said stronger cooperation was particularly important to Sokoto, which shared a long border with Niger Republic and continued to face security challenges with cross-border dimensions.
According to him, the increasingly interconnected nature of terrorism, banditry, arms trafficking, violent extremism and other transnational crimes requires security agencies and governments across the region to work together.
“Criminals and terrorist groups do not recognise national boundaries, making intelligence sharing, joint operations, coordinated border surveillance and improved communication among security agencies essential to addressing these threats,” he said.
Usman said security challenges in the region could not be effectively addressed by one country alone, stressing the need for sustained cooperation, timely intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts among neighbouring countries.
He also supported the call for regular joint training and exercises, saying such initiatives would enhance the capacity of security forces to operate together in confronting threats that cut across national boundaries.
The special adviser noted that Sokoto has a direct stake in efforts to strengthen the ECOWAS security architecture because developments along the Nigeria-Niger border had implications for communities and security operations in the state.
He said stronger regional cooperation would complement the efforts of the Sokoto state government and security agencies in protecting lives and property, particularly in border communities.
Usman reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu to supporting security agencies and initiatives aimed at improving security in the state.
He urged ECOWAS member-states to sustain dialogue and practical cooperation, particularly in intelligence sharing, coordinated border management, joint training and harmonised operational strategies.
“The security of our communities is interconnected with the security of neighbouring communities.
“What happens across the border can have consequences on this side, and that is why regional cooperation is not only desirable but necessary,” Usman added.(NAN)
