The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, MON, on Tuesday, called on ECOWAS countries to put up a united front to tackle threats facing the region.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at a gala night, in Abuja held in honour of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff (CCDS) of ECOWAS Member States event, the Minister of State for Defence emphasized that the prevailing and emerging security threats faced by the region necessitate a comprehensive and coordinated regional response.
The Honourable Minister highlighted the multidimensional threats confronting the region, including terrorism, violent extremism, maritime insecurity, and transnational organized crime.
“Our region stands at a critical crossroads. No single nation can afford to confront these threats in isolation. We must continue to forge a unified front—through timely intelligence sharing, harmonized operational strategies, and enhanced force capabilities—to neutralize threats and uphold regional peace and stability.”
HM Matawalle reiterated Nigeria’s full support for the operationalization of ECOWAS security frameworks and regional standby mechanisms, and urged all Chiefs of Defence Staff to strengthen interoperability, professionalism, and cohesive 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.”
Dr. Bello Matawalle also used the gathering to reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to regional security cooperation, and to the principles of collective defence and operational solidarity within the ECOWAS subregion.
The event, hosted by the Chief of Defence Staff, Armed Forces of Nigeria, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR, who also serves as the Chairman, ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff marked a reaffirmation of regional defence solidarity and the strategic importance of sustained collaboration among ECOWAS Armed Forces.
