The ECOWAS Commission has sought stronger security cooperation with Nigeria’s military to address emerging threats and strengthen regional stability in West Africa.
The commission’s Vice-President, Mr Anthony Ogunjimi, made the call during a familiarisation visit to the Defence Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, disclosed the visit in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja.
Ogunjimi, who was received by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended Nigeria’s contributions to regional peace and security.
He particularly acknowledged the role of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in peace support and stabilisation operations in Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau.
He described Nigeria’s commitment to collective security as a key pillar of ECOWAS’ regional integration and stability efforts.
The ECOWAS official expressed the commission’s desire to deepen its institutional relationship with the Defence Headquarters through strategic engagement, security cooperation and joint initiatives.
He said stronger collaboration was necessary to address emerging security challenges across the sub-region.
In his response, Oluyede stressed the need for sustained partnerships and collective responsibility in tackling security threats confronting West Africa.
He said regional security required cooperation, mutual trust and a shared commitment among member states.
The CDS urged ECOWAS countries to strengthen military-to-military relations, improve intelligence sharing and enhance operational cooperation.
He noted that security threats transcended national boundaries and required coordinated regional responses.
Oluyede reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to supporting regional peace and stability in line with the country’s foreign policy objectives. (NAN)
